Loretta V. Downie, 96, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 11, 2025 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Tonawanda, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Rocco and Frances (Pignatore) DeMiglio.
Loretta graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1946. On November 11, 1950, she married Joseph L. Downie at Our Lady of Rosary Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Downie predeceased her on August 16, 2009. Loretta was employed at Carborundum Corporation in Niagara Falls, later for the US Army as a civilian at Ft. Richardson Army Base in Alaska and lastly, for 15 years as a secretary in the engineering department at Occidental Chemical Company in Niagara Falls, NY.
Loretta was active at St. John De LaSalle Church, serving in the Alter and Rosary Society and working Bingo, and was also was a member of the Socialites of the John Duke Center. She enjoyed lawn bowling, bocce and making rosary beads, and also enjoyed water aerobics. She was an incredible baker and was known for her pies, cakes and cookies. More than anything, Loretta cherished the time she spent with her family, and was greatly involved in the lives of her grandchildren.
Loretta is survived by her children, Roxanne (Timothy) Welsh and Joseph C. (Sharon) Downie; grandchildren, Jennifer Downie, Ryan Welsh, Sarah Welsh, Nicholas (Briana) Downie and Julie Downie; her great-grandchildren, Rebakah, Josephine, Gabriel and Noah; her siblings, Anthony (late Antoinette) DeMiglio, Ann (John) Barry and Mary Ann (late Steven) Ventry, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband of 58 years, Loretta was predeceased by her siblings, Agatha (late Michael) Lucatra and Sarah Gloria DeMiglio.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 16 from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin on Tuesday at 10:15 AM followed by Loretta’s Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. John De LaSalle Church, 8469 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
Visitation
Monday, June 16, 2025
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
10:15 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
11:00 AM
St. John De LaSalle Church
8469 Buffalo Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.