Catherine Downing, Age 70, died Wednesday July 29th 2026.

Catherine was born August 23rd, 1955 in Grand Rapids to Eleanor and James "Bob" Downing. She grew up in Grand Rapids MN with her 7 siblings, and after traveling around for many years, she at last settled back in Grand Rapids to raise her gorgeous daughter surrounded by family and friends.

Catherine was a hairdresser who believed in making others feel their best, whilst maintaining humor about it. She had a picture on her mirror at work that said, "I'm a beautician, not a magician" and she fully embraced laughter at all opportunities.

She has one daughter, Brianna (Steve) and three grandchildren who lit up her world. Ruby, Finley and Elsie were the literal highlights of her life. She believed in them beyond measure and would move mountains to ensure their happiness. She became a lover of all sports due to the vast talents of her grandchildren, from watching Ruby barrel race, to immersing herself in the wrestling world fan group to sitting in hot bleachers watching Softball or swimming. She loved cheering for her grandchildren, even if she didn't understand the sport. She believed in and encouraged her daughter to try and join everything.  From moving to the UK and traveling the world to joining the Itasca Symphony Orchestra, she said go for it. Additionally, she loved the motorcycle club her son-in-law is in and embraced the new friends she met in that world too. Not surprisingly, she fit right in.

She was a fierce advocate and believed that activism could make changes. She believed that ripples moved mountains and believed it was about who you know. She was a force, steady and strong. She believed that a handshake said a lot about a person and taught us that paving the way and walking your own path is beautiful and needed in a world that can be cruel.

Catherine was a bird watcher, a garden whisperer and a nature lover. You'd find her swimming with her bestie Patty or tending to her many flower beds with ancient wisdom. Many of you will recognize Catherine from her decades of years in attendance at the bayfront blues festival. You'd find her and her iconic bright white, beautiful hair, next to the speaker. Catherine continued to enjoy attending musical events of all genres for all her years.  Catherine was also a member of a resistance group working to make positive changes in our world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steve "Guido" Downing; sister, Mary Downing Shoaff; and Best Friend, Kristen Dimich.

She is survived by her daughter, Brianna (Steve) Roberts; their children, Ruby, Finley and Elsie Roberts; and five brothers, Patrick (Holly), Will (Cindy), Tom (Janet), John (Holly Christenson) and Rob (Ellen Smilanich).  Additionally, she is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews; many cousins and countless friends and the "Spare" family she was adopted into.

A celebration of life will be held on August 23rd, 2026, in Catherines Garden at her home in Grand Rapids MN.

The celebration will be from 12-3, and you are welcome to come and go as you please.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred in Catherine's honor to KAXE radio station or the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids MN

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. "

-          Jimi Hendrix