Mrs. Gloria Downing (née Cavanagh), of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the age of 77.
Gloria was born to parents Charles and Violet on April 11, 1939 in Slough, Buckinghamshire, England. She is survived by two younger sisters Maureen and Dawn.
As a young woman, she was involved in many diving competitions and won the Buckinghamshire Diving Championship. In 1957, she married Richard Downing, an American Air Force Airman stationed in England at the time. Gloria was a Regent and member of the Daughters of the British Empire and was known for her award winning shortbread. She volunteered at Fayette Piedmont Hospital for nearly 20 years and made many friends through the New Neighbors League and her many different bridge groups. She was also a member of the Peachtree City Garden Club.
Gloria fought an epic battle against melanoma cancer. Her strength during this difficult period in her life was remarkable. She gave new meaning to the motto of the British People “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
She is survived by her husband, Richard Downing; her two children, Chris and wife Mary; Cheryl and husband Chris; three grandchildren, Caitlin; Matthew and wife Danielle; Christen and husband Anthony and their newborn daughter, Kaili Jean.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Mowell Funeral Home in Peachtree City.
Carl J Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City-www.mowellfuneralhome.com
