Charlotte W. Downing, 84, passed peacefully at home in Orchard Park, NY, on October 16, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Thomas J. Downing. Thomas, the youngest of seven siblings, was born in Buffalo, NY on January 6, 1943, to Francis J. and Lucille Downing. Charlotte was born in Maysville, Kentucky, on February 21, 1941, to Bertram and Sara Lee Wells, and was one of fourteen children. Charlotte and Tom were predeceased by their son, Patrick J. Downing. They are survived by their children, Thomas F., Julie (Peter) Murphy, Sean (Emily) Downing, Amy (Douglas) Bamrick, Bridget (Jason) Scime, and 12 grandchildren. They are also survived by Charlotte's siblings, Norma Compton, Martha (Robert) Reynolds, Bope (Linda) Wells, Sharon Morgan, and Christy (Steve) Lucas, as well as many nieces and nephews. Charlotte graduated from Minerva High School in Minerva, KY and St. Joseph School of Nursing in Lexington, Kentucky. She earned her Registered Nurse certification in 1964. Thomas graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, NY, and Manhattan College in New York City. In 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as Lieutenant J.G., from 1964-1967 followed by the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1968-1970. Thomas spent his career in the solid waste and recycling industry, beginning at family founded Downing Container Service, and later served as Division President and New York Development Manager for Waste Management of NY. Charlotte was working as a Registered Nurse in Virginia Beach when she met Tom, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant stationed at Little Creek Amphibious Base. After marrying in 1967, in Lexington, KY, they moved to Buffalo, NY where they started their family, welcoming their first four babies, including a surprise set of twins, within three years. They also resided in Mississauga, Ontario, and Rochester, NY before moving back to the Buffalo area where they settled in Orchard Park. Charlotte and Tom lived a life of laughter, generosity, and love for the gathering of family and friends. They adored spending time with their grandchildren and bringing everyone together at their home in Crescent Beach, Ontario. They welcomed all for big dinners, bonfires, and full days spent together on the beach. Beyond their unconditional devotion to their children and grandchildren, they will be remembered for their gift of hospitality, love of a clever retort or good joke, and their fondness for retelling a favorite memory or story of great times had with friends, relatives, and especially grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you enjoy the sunset with a glass of Woodbridge Chardonnay or visit a good antique store on your travels, and honor Tom and Charlotte's philosophy: never let a guest leave without an invitation to stay for dinner, knowing there is always more than enough for everyone.

The family will be present Friday, February 27th from 4 to 7 PM at the F.E. Brown Sons Funeral Home, 6575 E. Quaker Street, Orchard Park, NY. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, February 28th, at 11 AM in Nativity of Our Lord Church, 26 Thorn Avenue, Orchard Park, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.