Margaret “Mimi” M. Downing was born in Omaha, NE, on October 16, 1949, to Russell and Anne (Gregurich) Halbert. She passed away July 29, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston, IA, after a year and a half struggle at home with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Mimi was the baby of four and preceded in death by her older siblings Russell Halbert, Miriam “Dukie” Armintrout, and Madelyn “Candy” Brafford; her parents Russell and Anne Halbert; her son-in-law Rusty Hart; and Jerry Downing, her husband and best friend of 46 years until his death in 2015.

Survivors include her kids: #1 Mary “Maggie” (Keith Graves) Downing, #2 Windy Downing, #3 Sally Downing, #4 Jerry Downing, #5 Russell (Krista) Downing, and #6 Rose Downing; her grandchildren: Genevieve & Olivia Graves, Maddisen & Josephiene Stock, Mackenzie & Kendyl Hart, Ava & Mia Downing, Ayden & Chance Downing; and her great-grandchild: Jersey Hart; Suzanne Bosilevac who was more like a sister than a cousin; and gobs of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

All Saints and St. Joseph Academy were the schools she attended, and fondly spoke of being a Stepperette with her sisters. She graduated in 1967. September 7, 1968, is when Mimi married Jerry, the dorky guy in the cutoff jean shorts, who won her over dressed in his service uniform.

In addition to being a homemaker, Mimi worked for a handful of different places including Owens & Minor, JC Penny, and Mr. Tax/Boelman Shaw of which she was a tax preparer and checker for 34 years. She and her husband also owned and drove Lucky D’s Casino Shuttle for 16 years. During the Iowa State Fair, Mimi worked tirelessly every year for Brafford’s Lemonade alongside her sister Candy, brother-in-law John, nephews, niece, children, and grandchildren. It truly was, and continues to be, a yearly family reunion. She finally “retired” from working the Fair in 2017.

Most days, you could find Mimi wearing her beloved cartoon character shirts relaxed in a comfy chair reading romance novels. It was her most favored pastime and escape from reality. Many summers of boating and camping were enjoyed with family on Saylorville lake. She and Jerry instilled a love of water in their children that has been passed down to all their grandchildren. Another joy was spent with grandkids watching movies, Friday game nights, and simply entertaining them with her company and gab sessions. Although she would tell you she wasn’t much of an extrovert, that woman could hold a conversation for hours, just like her sisters. Her house was rarely empty, and it seemed she never ran out of energy or love to give. Her home was welcoming to anyone who set foot inside, and a beverage or snack was always available.

She was gifted with both a numbers brain as well as a hugely creative and artsy side, and she loved to draw and paint. The Annual Downing Halloween Party lasted for 10 years. By the hands of Mimi, each and every monster was created and served a purpose, to frighten and delight. For those who attended, they will attest it was the best decorated house in Des Moines, inside and out, and Mimi and Jerry’s costumes were to die for. She was massively involved in designing the costumes and decorations for the All Saints Haunted House when it was up and running. Although Halloween was her favorite holiday, every holiday was super special and celebrated at home with family. The house was decorated to the gills whether it be for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving and typical holiday dinners were prepared mostly by her. We will surely miss her turkey, stuffing, gravy, curry dip, and Croatian dishes of povitica, sarma, and making cookies with her. She was also creative when it came to making specialized cakes for her grandchildren (and sometimes for her adult children too)!

Mimi’s life was centered around family and her family was centered because of her. All her children and grandchildren live in Des Moines and surrounding areas. Her house had a revolving door, and she loved every single visitor.

Just as her late husband and mom chose, Mimi’s body has been donated to science at the Des Moines University Donor Program. Her ultimate gift of self will continue to be shared for generations. Also, per her request, there will not be a funeral or celebration of life. Condolences may be expressed online at www.facebook.com/mimi.downing.754 or www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com. Cards may be sent directly to the family.

Oh, momma…
We wish you could have experienced a different ending to your incredibly meaningful life. Pulmonary Fibrosis is a real f-ing jerk. You were consistently non-judgmental regardless of our life choices, allowed us to make and learn from our own mistakes, encouraged adventure, never shamed, and always allowed grace. We are who and where we are today because of your strength, compassion, understanding, humor, patience, stubbornness, creativity, bluntness, and artistic ability. Dad, Diesel dog, and all our other family members are lucky to have you with them. Thank you for being such a great momma and Grammy. We love you and miss you terribly already.
Love, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and all your grandkids.