Carol Jean Downing

Carol Jean Downing, age 93, passed away peacefully at home in Las Cruces, NM, on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016, surrounded by her daughter Shannon and all of her beloved pets. Born November 18, 1923, and raised in Wonewoc, Wisconsin, Carol met her soon to be husband, Jack while boarding with his parents in nearby Mauston. They raised a family in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, then Madison. Once the children were on their way with careers and college, she and Jack left Wisconsin to begin their adventures, enjoying life to the fullest. They retired in Las Cruces, NM in late 1979, and began Carjac Woodcrafts, which they operated until Jack's passing in 1990. Carol stayed in Las Cruces, loving the climate and the Organ Mountains. She loved gardening, travelling , various crafts, reading mystery novels and Jane Austin, and just sitting on her front porch watching the hummingbirds. Carol always had a glint in her eye and beautiful smile and was loved and admired by all who met her. Carol was preceeded in death by her husband, Jack (COL, Ret, John L. Downing Jr); her brother, Henry C (Bud); and her sister, Shirley Berggren of Madison. She is survived by her brother, Robert, a well known Dixieland Jazz musician in northern California; her son John III in Amherst, NH, her grandson, Jack in Seabrook, NH; her daughter, Shannon in Las Cruces; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved pets: Kirby, Ginger, Bingley, Knightly and Misty. Carol had a great love of animals and opened her heart and home to many a homeless animal; each one thrived under her loving care and lived long and happy, safe lives. Carol will be cremated, and her ashes buried with her late husband in Amberg, Wisconsin, in the spring. A graveside service and celebration of her life will be held at that time. In lieu of flowers, Carol expressed wishes that donations be made to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in Las Cruces, or to an animal rescue of your choice. PDF Printable Version