The hurtful loss of Margaret Downey
At the time of her death, Margaret was an active member of Rotary and Meals on Wheels.
Born in Western Extension, Margaret Dorothy Downey (maiden name is Morris) died at age 85, leaving not only a void in the family, but a void in the hearts of some Benonians as well.
Although born in Benoni, Margaret grew up in Brakpan with her two siblings Brian and Clive, both older than her.
She attended Brakpan High School before finding her husband Victor Downey, who died 11 years ago at 78 years of age.
They had a garden wedding in Westdene and moved to East London for about five years when the couple felt the pull back to Benoni and returned settling in Airfield for a while.
This is when Victor started their swimming pool business in the garage at home, later officially relocating to Dunswart Road.
“Our parents moved the family to a five-acre small holding on the outskirts of Benoni on Dunswart Road that was formerly known as Atlas Road and today, Solomon Jefferson Mahlangu Road,” said Mike Downey, one of Margaret’s four children.
“This move was no obstacle to our mother, she embraced it as a new adventure in her life, and this is where our dad’s business thrived with her at his side.
“Our unending garden, with a strawberry patch was huge. That allowed my mom to dabble in the creation and wonders of a beautiful garden, we also had a large family lounge which had a wonderful fireplace and a grand piano that Margaret just loved playing.”
At the time of her death, Margaret was an active member of Rotary and Meals on Wheels.
“Our mom heartily involved herself in the community, she was an active participant in many social and business activities and both mom and dad were active members of Rotary for over 30 years,” said Mike.
“She was committed and passionate in serving Meals on Wheels for the under privileged, so indicative of her true caring spirit.
“She loved cooking, and took an interest in tennis and gardening.
“As a person she was an old fashioned mom and wife who practiced old fashioned values around her home and her family and she also baked and knitted for the kids and grandchildren.”
Margaret had four children, Susan (64), Janice (62), Michael (60) and Richard Downey (58) who in turn gave her seven grandchildren, Deanne, Carilee, Donald, Julia, Stuart, Ryan and Jack, as well as great-grand children, Rocco Roman, Joe, Luke, David, Allegra and Jaxon, all of whom she will be remembered by.
“I will always miss the way she had to always hold a person’s hand when she greeted them but while we are so sad, we are also happy for the joys and appreciation of life.
“We are diminished for she is no longer with us in body, but we are grateful for the opportunity of having her be a part of our lives.”
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