17 June 1916 – 29 May 2019
Craigweil House resident Grace Downer passed away in May, just 19 days short of her 103rd birthday.
Grace was born in Rotorua in 1916, was a foundation pupil at Rotorua High School and then a pupil at Epsom Girls Grammar. After moving to Dargaville she worked for the Northern Wairoa Dairy Company, relocating to Helensville with her Helensville-born husband Ron Downer and son Ken in 1945 when Ron returned to his pre-war employment in the Helensville post office. Sons Jim and Peter were born in Helensville.
Having learned to knit when she was five, Grace found friends when she was invited to join local knitting group, The Knitting Bee. Although the couple moved around a lot because of Ron’s work, Grace has been back in Helensville for some years. Ron passed away in 1975.
When she turned 100 Grace was thrilled with her cards from the Queen and the many other dignitaries who sent their congratulations.
Her funeral was held in St Matthew’s Church, Helensville, at the beginning of June. She is survived by her son Ken, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.