Bessie Elizabeth Downey

May 12, 1909 - Feb. 2, 2008

CAMBRIDGE -- Bessie Elizabeth Downey, 98, died Saturday (Feb. 2, 2008) at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

She was born May 12, 1909, on a farm near Cambridge to Paul and Pauline Ogorzolka. She attended school in Furnas County District 42.

On April 7, 1928, she married William C. Downey. They made their home on a farm north of Indianola for 20 years. They later bought a farm south of Cambridge and eventually moved into Cambridge. She was a homemaker

She moved to town in 1972, and to Parkside Manor in 1999.

She was a member St. John's Baptist Catholic Church, as well as an Altar Society member all of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Pauline; husband, Bill in 1979; three brothers, Anthony, George and Leo; and three sisters, Mamie, Cecilia and Agnes.

Survivors include her son, William G. Downey and wife, Mary of Scottsbluff and Phyllis Smith and husband, Paul "Bud" of Cambridge; sister, Clara Breaker of Denver, Colo.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge on Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Gary Brethour officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery at Cambridge.

Rosary will be recited at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge on Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m., with the Rev. Tom McGuire officiating.

Visitation is today and Tuesday at the mortuary. Her book may be signed at any time.

Memorials may be left in her name at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary, POB 247, Cambridge, Nebraska 69001.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge is in charge of arrangements.