Cecelia Lucille Downy Obituary (2025)

Cecelia L. Downey, age 96, of Yakima, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Mrs. Downey was born on April 10, 1929, in Yakima, Washington, to Onesime Remi Marquis and Bertha Ricard Marquis. She was raised and educated in Washington state. She married Charles V. Riegel on December 15, 1945, moving to San Francisco until the end of WWII. They settled in Yakima, eventually moving to the Lower Yakima Valley and raising five children. After she and Charles divorced, she went on to marry Jess L. Downey, on February 14, 1974. She enjoyed her farm, raising cattle, hogs, turkeys, and rabbits. She was a Master Gardener and put her skills to work growing vegetables, preserving food, and always had a flower garden in some kind of blooming state. During her lifetime, she worked in various Yakima canneries, at Kwik Lok, and volunteered at DSHS in Toppenish. She also cleaned homes, worked as a nanny, and taught reading in elementary schools. Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Sally Riegel of Yakima, Sandra Riegel Watts of Toppenish, Candy Riegel Jarvis (Terry) of Yakima, and Susan Riegel Vaughn (Timothy) of Ronald, one brother, Alphonse Marquis of Yakima, eight grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren, a few great-greats and countless other "adopted" hearts that she made feel like family along the way. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jess Downey (October 18, 2000), her only son, Lawrence "Larry" Jay Riegel (December 25, 2009), and her grandson Brian Jay Riegel (October 1, 2024). She was the last surviving daughter in a family of 10 children. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 25, 2025, at 11:00am, at Holy Redeemer Catholic mChurch. A Graveside Service will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Services will conclude with a reception at the Holy Redeemer Hall. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.