Betty (Knafelc) Downing

Betty Downing, 84 of North Syracuse died Wednesday, January 27, 2021 surrounded by family. Betty was born in Seward, NY on December 4, 1936 to Josephine (Kodra) and Frank Knafelc and graduated from the former Cobleskill High school. She married John H. Downing on August 4, 1956.  Their happy marriage resulted in 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Her husband predeceased her in 2016, as did her daughter Melinda Wiemeier in 2017, her brothers Gary Knafelc, Jerry Knafelc and Dick Knafelc, as well as sisters Joephine Palmer, Linda Littau and Carol O’Rouke. She will always be remembered by her son Martin Downing (Cathleen), her daughter Michelle Palmer (Rick), her grandchildren Jeremy Wiemeier, Jolene Neave (Brian), Danielle Lukowiak (Richard), Michael Downing (Morgan), Cooper Chaffee and Camryn Chaffee. her sisters: Gail Prosser and Pauline Balcerak of Paul’s Valley, OK and her brother Frank Knafelc of Orange Park, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty retired from RJ Reynolds and then enjoyed traveling with her husband and family members.  She especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was a huge supporter of their events and activities. A ceremony will be held in the spring to place Betty, her husband John and her Daughter Melinda together in the mausoleum.

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