"I met June about 2 years ago and liked her right away. I deliver senior meals in the Gwinn area. As long as I gave Benjie his treat right away, he would let me visit with her a minute or two. All I can say is she made my day better for seeing her and getting to talk about anything and everything. My bride of almost 45 years is also named June. I'm pretty sure she and Al are having a great reunion. I will miss her and our Friday chats."
In loving memory of
JUNE SHELLY DOWNING
June 6, 1927 - March 18, 2017
June Shelly Downing, 89, of Gwinn, died peacefully, Saturday evening, March 18, 2017, at her home in the presence of her family and under the care of U.P. Home Health & Hospice.
June was born on June 6, 1927 in Minersville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late William and Margaret (Sherman) Allan. She moved to Gwinn in 1978 where she and her late husband purchased the Family Tavern, which they owned and operated together for 20 years. During that time they sponsored pool leagues and softball teams for many years. They also acted as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for 20 years for Gwinn area youth.
June was a member of the Little Lake Chapel and an active member of the Gwinn VFW Post 5670 Auxiliary and American Legion Post 349 Auxiliary. In her free time, it seemed that June was always feeding everyone in town. She loved her family dearly and will be remembered for her wittiness and feistiness.
Survivors include three children, David (Susan) Downing of Quakertown, PA, Bob (Debbie) Shelly of East Greenville, PA and Cheryl (George) Bodenus of Little Lake; eight grandchildren, Dorothy Simmers of PA, Danielle Downing of PA, Kristy (Joshua) Mock of MD, Kelly (Dennis) Colburn of WI, Bob Shelly, Jr., of WI, Eric (Jenny) Shelly of PA, Jennifer (Andy) Koetteretz of PA and Tara Shelly of VA; also 11 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, her beloved dog, Benji and cat, Cream. Preceding her in death besides her parents was her first husband, Phillip Shelly, second husband of 56 years, Allan L. Downing on February 27, 2012; two grandsons, Jim Simmers and Zach Shelly; also siblings, William Allan, Jr., Margaret Lewis and Mary Meisner.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 29 beginning at 1 p.m. in the Little Lake Chapel. A memorial service will commence at 2 p.m. in the church with the Rev. Ron Westman officiating.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to June's special friend, Karen Ketola, Dr. Catherine Kroll, U.P. Home Health & Hospice, and all of the nurses and aides who took care of June in her final illness.
The Canale Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the Downing family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Cheryl, George and the whole family. Our community has lost two people who cared more for the community than they did for themselves. Their never ending giving of themselves speaks for itself. I sincerely hope June got to pull Al's hair and I hope she knows I missed out on Christmas Eve. loved them both."
"Cheryl and Family, we were so sorry to hear about your mom, she was a special beautiful lady, our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Cheryl, George & Downing family, with deepest sympathy in the loss of June. A very fine and friendly lady and a joy to be around. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time."