Colleen M. Downward
November 16, 1956 - December 3, 2021
Colleen M. Downward, age 65, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3, 2021.
Born in Bethesda, MD, on November 16, 1956, she was a daughter of the late Dorothy Rathbun. Colleen worked as a loving homemaker for many years, cherishing the ability to care for her family. She enjoyed working as a school bus driver for Appoquinimink School District for many years until her retirement. After her retirement, Colleen cherished her time off and enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching, going on vacation and shopping. She was known as the heart of her family, and loved spending time with her precious grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Colleen was preceded in death by her sister, Cindy Rathbun. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Stanford B. “Stan” Downward, Jr.; daughters, Stephanie Maurer (Kevin), Shannon Kautz (Joe), and Leslie Vlahos (Teddy); grandchildren, Jenna, Jadin, Lauren, Riley, Joey, Nathan, and Landen; brothers, Bill Rathbun (Jo Ellen) and Paul Rathbun; and Yorkipoo, Jake.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10 am. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Colleen’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.
John Lodge, Lewes DE
Stan and family:
Sending you and yours heartfelt condolences on Colleen’s passing. Keeping all in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Christine Lodge, Lewes DE
elizabeth strohl
I am so very sorry to hear of Colleen”s passing. I know how very much she cherished her family. I was privileged to work with her driving bus. Rip Colleen
Milt and Nancy Elliott
Our sincere sympathy to Stan, Stephanie, Shannon, Lauren and the entire Downward and Rathbun family. She will be missed. Rest in peace Colleen. We loved you.
Cheryl and Nelson Sebright
Stan, Shannon and Stephanie, we are so sorry to hear about Colleen’s passing. She was always so wonderful to me and I enjoyed spending time with her. Especially when we took a ceramics class together. We love you all! You will be in our prayers 🙏 love Cheryl and Nelson
Daniel Horsey
Stan;
I’m truly sorry for the loss that you and your family has experienced.
Dan
Steve Rush
Stan & family,
We are sadden that Colleen has passed. The times we met, she was full of life & happy. A pleasure to be with her. We will keep her memory heart.
Hugs,
Steve & Lynda
Diamelen Bowman
Stan and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Coleen was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly.
Diamelen & Michael Bowman
Kim Lovett
Shannon, “Uncle B” and I are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers!
Manny and Kay Queen
Stan and family, Kay and I are very sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing, she was a great person we have your family in our thoughts and prayers. Again we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Kevin McDerby
Stan and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the passing of Colleen.
Kevin McDerby
Ray Downward
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss.
Elaine Zak
Stan and family, my heart aches for all of you at the loss you are suffering at this time. May God’s love and mercy give you comfort along with the many fond memories, pictures, loving times and family gatherings to help you along during your time of grief. Remember she is only a memory away and you will meet her again on the golden streets of Heaven. Rejoice that she resides with our Lord and Savior, is not suffering and her loving spirit will lead and guide you each and everyday. May God bless you all.
Doris Davis
So sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. Always remembered her with a smile even when she was a little girl. Thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Rest in peace Colleen.
Richard Goodman
My condolences to Stan and family on the passing of Colleen. May you find peace and comfort in the family bond, which you all have created.
Angelo Fiumara
Stan,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Colleen. I wish I could be there in person to speak with you on Thursday, but unfortunately I’ll be out of town. May God bless and comfort you and your family at this time of great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
connie Thomas
I am so sorry for your loss. Stan,Stephanie , Shannon and the rest of the family I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. It was a privileged knowing Colleen when you guys first
moved down here and driving the school bus together.
Terry Koston
Stan. For you and your family, a rough couple of years for sure. Those special memories you have of Colleen will not fade and are there to support you through those difficult, days ahead. Your faith, in knowing in that you will all be united, may help ease the pain of your journey. Joanne and I will keep you in our prayers.
Jean Shahan
Stan and girls my heart is breaking for you as I know how hard it is for everyone. I love you all and I’m always here if you need anything. I’m in total shock of her passing. May God be with you all. Love Ya.
Kristie Joannides
Leslie and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know my family and I are thinking of you.
Love,
The Joannides family.
Dale Hall
Stan and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May beautiful memories of Colleen ease the pain that you must be feeling now.
William Wrinn
Rest easy Miss Colleen! I had you as my bus driver sophomore year of high school and you were a great bus driver!