Heaven has a new angel.
Mary Carmel Downey (nee Russell), born July 16, 1926, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Monday, November 9, 2015 at the Western Health - Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital - surrounded by love and family. After marrying Barney Downey (deceased) on August 14, 1946, Carmel worked as a nurse's aide until she delivered her first born, her favorite son, Donald (Jenny) of St. Fintan's, NL. Once she became a mom she devoted her life to raising her children in Stephenville Crossing, later relocating to Stephenville in 1968. So devout a mom, her next four children, Debbie Roberts Baker - deceased (Paul Anthony Roberts - deceased) (Gary) of Windsor, Ontario, Wanda Bottoset (Elso) of Windsor, Ontario, Lonnie Jason (Ron) of Stephenville/Gillam, Manitoba and Pam Mergl (John) of Niagara Falls, Ontario she delivered at home. There was too much to do at home to go to the hospital. Her second and last hospitalization was for the delivery of her last child, Celeste (Jack/Micheal McIsaac) of Oakville, Ontario because of the disappearing acts through her pregnancy where she would be huge in her maternity wear, have a nap and wake up being able to wear her regular clothing. Her physician encouraged her to deliver in the hospital. Carmel enjoyed carpentry and undertook many renovations on herself. In addition, she was fierce with a paint brush - dancing the whole time. Her home was her domain and she did everything within her power to make it bright and cheery. Change, Carmel so enjoyed change. It brightened her spirits which reflected her pride of ownership. In her senior years, Carmel sprouted into a social butterfly getting to know her community, speed walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, knitting and giving away her wares. In the final years of her life, Carmel cared for her husband, Barney, until he too entered eternal life on May 14, 2015. Carmel will be dearly missed by her children and spouses, grandchildren and spouses, great-grandchildren, sisters and spouses, nieces and nephews, all other family members, friends and to those who were fortunate enough to know her. The family would like to thank the Physicians, RNs, LPNs and staff who have provided care and friendship to Mary Carmel since August 16, when she initially took ill at both Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville and at the Health Sciences Center in St. John's. The family would also like to thank the Ambulance Attendants/EMS Workers for the caring, sensitive, respectful, kind, gentle treatment they provided to Mary Carmel during their attendances at her home. Visitation will take place at Russell's Funeral Home in Stephenville on Thursday November 12, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will take place at St. Stephen's Church, Stephenville on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Hillside Interfaith Cemetery. Friends may sign the online guest book by visiting: WWW.RUSSELLSFUNERALHOME.CA.