Iva Downing, 94

Iva Ann Regan Downing, 94, died after a long illness on Feb. 3, 2018. Born on June 18, 1923, and the daughter of Timothy and Margaret Regan of Pittsburgh, PA, Downing was a longtime resident of the Rio Grande Valley, most recently in Weslaco at the John Knox Village.
Iva, an avid reader, had a long and varied life and was always filled with curiosity about the world around her. Born in Pittsburgh in 1941 she graduated from Allderdice High School where she was a member of the Camera Club. In World War II she joined the Women’s Army Corp and was a dental hygienist stationed at Fort Washington, Md., where she received decorations and citations including the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and a Good Conduct medal.
It was there she met Dr. Irvine Downing, an oral surgeon, and, after their marriage, they moved to Altoona, PA, and then to Upstate New York, living for many years in Baldwinsville.
Iva was an active member of the Grace Episcopal Church in Baldwinsville as well as in ecumenical activities with other churches. A member of the Altar Guild, she served several times as an officer and president of her church groups.
She and her husband moved to Brownsville in February 1978. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant, working mainly with newborns in the Valley Community Hospital nursery. She moved to John Knox Village in 2000 where she was a communicant of Grace Episcopal Church.
An ardent Democrat and an admirer of President Obama, she donated regularly to the Democratic National Committee as well as a number of charities. She served as a board member at John Knox.
Preceded in death by her husband and her sister Mary Grieser, she is survived by her daughter Margaret Downing (husband Gary Beaver) of Missouri City, TX; son Irv Downing (wife Pam) of South Padre Island; son Robert Downing (wife Derise Figueroa) of Houston and Coral Gables, FL; and daughter Anne Downing (friend Dave Koran) of Austin as well as seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Rosenberger of Weslaco; and brothers Jack Regan, Jimmy Regan and Michael Regan of Pittsburgh, PA.
The family would like to especially thank caregiver Cathy Garza for her great friendship and love; and the staff of John Knox Village, especially in its wellness center.
A memorial service celebrating Iva’s life was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at John Knox Village, 1300 S. Border Ave., Weslaco, in the Friendship Hall. A reception will follow in the Bob Davis Room. A private interment will be held in Buena Vista Burial Park in Brownsville.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Iva’s name to Food For the Poor, the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, the Democratic National Committee, or to a charity of your choice.