Cathy Jean Downs

Catherine Jean Downs, 65, affectionately known to her nieces and nephews as “Aunt Chochie” was born in Ashtabula Ohio on April 6, 1960, to the late William and Frances (Brenkus) Downs. She passed away on October 24, 2025, at Saybrook Landing Assisted Living Facility after a long battle with a chronic extended illness.

She loved her family more than anything else and although she never had kids of her own, as an Aunt she was like a “devoted mother” to her numerous nieces and nephews. In her younger years she took solo trips to Canada to see the ships of the Great Lakes. She was also an integral part of yearly family vacations to various locations in Canada and to places like Atlantic City where she loved to indulge in the slot machines and table games.  She adored the beaches, lighthouses and boats of the Great Lakes Region. She loved to play cards with her family around the kitchen table and to tell jokes only she could pull off. She will be remembered for her irreverent sense of humor and her unwavering devotion to her entire family. 

She is survived by her loving siblings Patty (Joseph) Boggs, Darlene (and the late T.J.) Moroski, and Bill (Michele) Downs; she was the beloved aunt to Shaun Doyle, Joey (Sandy) Boggs, Tricia Boggs, Tamra Moroski, Timmy Moroski, Billy (Anna) Downs, and Kyle (Megan Yopko) Downs; and a proud great-aunt to Trinity, Colson, Leo, Maeve, Ian, and Ronan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Tim Moroski.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday (10/29/2025) at Czup Funeral Home, 1329 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula.  Calling hours will be from 5:00-7:00 and her funeral service will start at 7:00 with Fr. Francis of Our Lady of Peace Parish leading her services.  Burial will take place on Thursday at 11:00 at Griggs Road Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cathy Jean Downs, please visit our floral store.