Mary Downing, 77, of Charles City

Mary Downing, 77, of Charles City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Downing will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Reverend Ray Atwood officiating. Inurnment will be at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service at the church on Thursday.

Mary Elizabeth (McAloon) Downing was born on July 6, 1949, in New Hampton, Iowa, to Russell and Marie (Brown) McAloon. On June 22, 1968, she married William “Bill” Downing, and together they shared 58 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and tradition. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker.

Throughout much of her life, she was a gifted seamstress, always sewing, mending, or creating something for family and friends. She was also an excellent cook and loved bringing her family together. Her children spent many hours in the kitchen alongside her making candies, cookies, and treasured family recipes to share at holiday gatherings, a tradition that would become one of the family’s most cherished memories.

Mary enjoyed tending to her flowers, watching the birds outside her window, and spending time with her faithful companion, Murphy. She loved watching volleyball and had recently become a fan of the Indiana Fever. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Alaska, where she enjoyed the beauty and the wildlife and returned home with the recipe for a drink that became a favorite at family gatherings. Mary was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church and found comfort in her faith throughout her life.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, William “Bill” Downing of Charles City; her daughters, Amy (Rodney) Hillegas, Melissa (Trent) Bollman, and Lisa (Andy) Hintgen, all of Charles City, and Amanda (Daniel) Ruden of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Jordan Baxter, Hali (Lowen) Reams, Luke (Jozi) Hillegas, Abby Hillegas, Dominic Hintgen, Ragan Hintgen, Keegan Bollman, Evan Bollman; her many great-grandchildren; her sister, Jane Ferch of Charles City, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Marie (Brown) McAloon; her sisters, Joyce London and Janet Pierce; her brother, Alan McAloon; infant brother, Michael McAloon; her parents-in-law, James “Jim” and Carol Downing; and her beloved grandson, Gavin Bollman.

Mary chose to be a tissue donor through the Iowa Donor Network, generously giving the gift of life and healing to others.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements.  Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.