Elizabeth Downer-Green

TRAVERSE CITY — Elizabeth Jane Downer-Green died on June 28, surrounded by her loved ones. Her final days were lived in the loving care of the wonderful staff of Boardman Lake Glens Assisted Living home in Traverse City. She died in comfort and peace.She was born April 15, 1922, to David and Mary Clement, of Bay City. She was the seventh of eight children growing up in a loving family with humble beginnings in the depression era. She attended Bay City schools and graduated from Bay City Central High in 1940. In 1942 she married Don Downer, then a state trooper with the Michigan State Police. She raised four boys and two husbands, all successful in life. Her sons are Roger Downer, deceased, David Downer, Jim Downer, Doug Downer and Greg Thompson. Her daughters are Carol Thompson, Mary Downer, Sally Downer, Kathi Downer and Laurie Downer. In 1969 she started Weight Watchers of Northern Michigan. Soon after that she opened up a second Weight Watchers franchise that covered Northern Ontario, Canada. She worked hard, and she worked smart. She was a pioneer and mentor for business women in Northern Michigan for the rest of her life. She helped thousands of people improve their lives. In 1973 her husband of 31 years, Don Downer, passed away, tragically too soon. We were all very fortunate that she married Dick Green in 1977. Together they continued to help many people to improve their lives. In 1984 they sold their business to Florine Mark and retired to live a life that inspired us all, spending half of the year in Bradenton, Fla., and half in Traverse City. She was generous to all of her many friends and family. Together they have 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Dick Green passed away last June after 33 wonderful years with Jane. She belonged to Immaculate Conception Church, the Traverse City Country Club and Bridge Club, where she was a very sharp bridge player. She was loving, generous, brilliant and wise. Jane will be missed by many. A meeting of family and friends will be held Tuesday, July 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Sixth Street in Traverse City. A funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday, July 6, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon afterwards. You are invited to come and celebrate her life. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grand Traverse Area Parkinson's Support Group, 10049 E. Grandview Court, Traverse City, MI 49684-5307. Please sign Jane's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Downer-Green

June 28, 2011