DOWNE, Dorothy Lillian

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, September 14, 2009 Dorothy McCarty Downe (Dot), 95, passed away on Aug. 17, 2009, in Lake Havasu City. She was born Dorothy Lillian McCarty on Aug. 11, 1914, in West New York, N.J., to William Henry and Caroline (King) McCarty. She had resided in New Jersey most of her life, moving to Lake Havasu City from Haworth, N.J., seven years ago. She most recently resided at the Jasmine House in Lake Havasu City. In her younger years, after high school, Dorothy graduated from the Traphagen School of Design. She then went to work at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City as a custom fashions designer, a position she held for 10 years. Dorothy married Albro F. Downe Dec. 5, 1942, and they both were very active in the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Haworth, N.J. She served various positions in several women’s organizations. Her natural artistic talents led her to a love of creating pottery, which she made out of her home. Tennis fulfilled her athletic desires. Upon moving to Lake Havasu City in 2002, Dorothy became a member of Western Welcome of Arizona and enjoyed playing Bunco at various locations around town. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Judy Haynes and her husband Bob, of Lake Havasu City, and Betty Swadling and her husband Bob, also of Lake Havasu City; grandchildren, Kerry Wells and her husband Mike, Mike Haynes and his wife Amanda, Kelly Faust and her husband Andy and Heather Cruz and her husband Ozzie; great-grandchildren, Chase and Kegen Wells, Storme, Makai and Koa Haynes, Brooke Faust and Oscar and Jax Cruz. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Albro Downe who passed away in 1984. A celebration of Dorothy’s life is scheduled for Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at her daughter’s home. Donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Havasu Community Health Foundation, 2126 McCulloch Blvd., Suite 7, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 or a charity of your choice. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.