Mary Lou Downing

Mary Lou Downing, age 90, longtime resident of Northville, passed away on December 6, 2023. She was born on July 13, 1933 in Farwell, Michigan; daughter of Charles and Helen (Bradley) Austin. She graduated from Plymouth High School; class of 1951.  Mary Lou was united in marriage to James Downing on April 5, 1952, they spent 37 years devoted to one another until his death on April 10, 1989.

Mary Lou and James lived in Northville for 40 years, raising their family and managing one of the largest Standardbred racehorse farms in the state of Michigan.  In 1972, Mary Lou opened the Curl and Swirl, a salon in Livonia where she enjoyed her tenure as a stylist and business owner.

After the death of her husband, Mary Lou went on to co-found and transform the family horse farm into a successful golf course known as Downing Farms Golf Course, where she enjoyed her 30-year career working with family and friends.

Mary Lou was a member of the Elks Club in Plymouth, Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, and the United States Golf Association.  She enjoyed spending time at her cottage in northern Michigan, and later in life traveling with her friend and partner, Walter Hammond.  Mary Lou was a loving wife and mother who dedicated her life to her family.  She will be missed for her kind and loving nature, wonderful sense of humor, and boundless spirit.

Mary Lou is survived by her loving children, James (Michele) Downing, Charles Downing, and Teri (Gregory) Hopkins; her grandchildren, Ashley (Brennen) Andes, Adrianne (Blake) Schmidt, Stefanie (Mike) Reid, Brian (Rebecca) Downing, Rachel (Hung) Trieu, James Hopkins, and Madeline (Eduardo) Diaz de Leon; her great grandchildren, Wyatt, Lucas, Hayley, Avery, and Taylor; and her sister Carol Honsinger.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her brother Charles Austin, and her partner of 20 years Walter Hammond.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to The Care Team Foundation, 5401 Gateway Center, Suite D, Flint, MI 48507.