Marion Popp Downes, a resident of Philadelphia and New York City, passed away in Philadelphia on October 3, 2022 at the age of 86.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Mae Bickel and Charles Popp and grew up in Brooklyn. She was married in 1956 and raised her children on Long Island and in Queens before moving to Philadelphia in 2004. Marion is survived by her sons Daniel (Cathleen) Downes of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Michael (Daphne) Downes of Sloatsburg, New York; and James Downes of Sloatsburg, New York.

She is also survived by her brother, Walter (Rose) Popp of Shirley, New York, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Popp and sisters Helen Orobello and Irene Popp.

Marion was first and foremost a loving mother and homemaker. She also worked in a New York City pencil factory, retail shops, and later in life became an in-home aide and caretaker to the elderly and disabled. While she loved all her children equally, she devoted most of her life to caring for her developmentally disabled son, James.

Marion had a wonderful sense of humor and was sharp as a tack up until the time of her passing. She loved country music, old movies, singing, and still sang Christmas songs to James even when he was 55 years old. She also loved hosting Christmas dinners for her family, and somehow she made the world’s best chicken parmesan in a frying pan with no handle. She was also strong and tough, kept a warm and inviting home, and took pride in her greatest achievement, her children.

While she didn’t have grandchildren, she also took great joy in her grand-puppies and kitties, Clancy, Seamus, Corky, and Ruairi.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Hess Miller Funeral Home, 64-19 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379. There will also be a short service on Friday, October 7 at 10:00 am at the Hess Miller Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at St. John's Cemetery in Queens.

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