Elsie Marie Downs, 90, of Bardstown, passed away Monday November 8, 2021, in Bardstown, surrounded by her children. She was born June 19, 1931 in Cox’s Creek. Elsie dedicated her life to her husband Theodore and their five children, who they raised and taught the importance of family in the Bardstown home he built and she lived in her entire life. She also was dedicated to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings. She was a life-long member of the Basilica of St. Joseph’s Proto-Cathedral Catholic Church.
Nothing epitomized Elsie’s love of family more than Christmas Day at her house with more family than the house would hold. Some memories of the day: Turkey and dressing, Elsie’s cherished fruit salad and homemade fudge which her children fought over, her broccoli casserole, Man on The Moon cake brought by youngest child Kelly, banana croquettes made by daughter Linda, getting card tables out to start dinner in every corner of the house, starting with a family prayer led by oldest child Anne, and constant conversation and laughter.
She was fiercely independent, driving, shopping and going to church until a few weeks before her death. She enjoyed her television shows, especially the nightly news, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy which she watched religiously with her son Tommy. She was a life-long Kentucky Wildcats fan and wore the many UK outfits given to her by her daughter Mary Pat. She was gentle, kind and loving. A person of few words and was loved and admired by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Theodore Downs; parents, Tillie and Michael Diemer; and her five brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her five children, Anne Helm (Doug), Linda Moran (Jimmie Dell), Tommy Downs (Patsy), Mary Pat Greer (Mickey), and Kelly Bentley (Jeff); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her Funeral Mass will be 1:30 pm Thursday November 11, 2021 at Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Rev. Terry Bradshaw will officiate. Visitation will be 3 – 8 pm Wednesday November 10 and 11:30 am – 12:45 pm Thursday November 11 at Barlow Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may go to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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