Obituary of Joan Downie

DOWNIE, Joan, age 83, died peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 21, 2010 with family by her side. The daughter of Garrett and Lillian Voorman, she was born and raised in Passaic, and spent later years in Ridgewood before moving to Franklin Lakes with her husband George Downie in 1955. Joan became head of personnel for CBS in the early 1950's, worked for many years as an executive secretary for Nabisco in East Hanover and was an active volunteer in every aspect of her life. A kind-hearted renaissance woman, she enjoyed reading, theater, politics, music, and perhaps most of all, making others feel welcomed and loved. Joan is survived by her best friend, George Downie; her dear sister Barbara Perdue of Ramsey; four devoted daughters, Melinda Maryniuk (and son-in-law George) of Jamaica Plain, MA; Carolyn Sebring (and son-in-law Harry) of Richmond, MA; Alison Whitehouse (and son-in-law Tom) of Braintree, MA; and Priscilla (and son-in-law Robert) Thoma of Franklin Lakes; and twelve loving grandchildren: Andrew and Adam Maryniuk; Jimmy, Jessica and Sara Sebring; Amanda and Rebecca Whitehouse; Samantha, Kathryn, Robert, Elizabeth and Caroline Thoma. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, December 4, 2010, 11:00 AM at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the name of Joan Downie may be made to either West Side Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450, or the Franklin Lakes Public Library, 470 DeKorte Drive Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. Arrangements by Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff. Please visit our website at www.vpfh.com to leave an online condolence.