Josephine "Marie" Downer

Josephine Marie Downer, 87, passed away peacefully in her home in Penrose, Colorado on December 2, 2025. She was born on January 3,1938 to John and Ellen (Ketcham) Sporcich, in Walsenburg, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sheldon Downer in 2008, as well as her parents and sister, Shirley Mae.

  Marie married Sheldon Downer in 1960.  They moved to Penrose where they raised three children, Shanda, Kelly, and Weldon.  Her family was her pride and joy, and she was especially fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Marie knew early in her life that she wanted to go into the nursing field and graduated Sept 7, 1959 with an RN degree in nursing from St. Mary Corwin School of Nursing in Pueblo, Colo.  Through the years, Marie worked at the Colorado State Hospital in Pueblo, St. Thomas More Hospital in Canon City and Penrose School.  After many years of working as an RN, Marie found her true calling as a hospice nurse. She was employed with Sangre de Cristo Hospice for many years until she decided to retire. After her “retirement,”  Marie co-founded Fremont Regional Hospice and continued to work until well into her 70’s.  Marie had great compassion and empathy as well as the utmost respect for her hospice patients and their families, which she passed on to all who worked with her over the years.  She was blessed to end her own end of life journey with the same care and compassion from the hospice she helped create.

In addition to working as a nurse, Marie built a successful business as a Mary Kay Consultant, which she operated for more than 40 years.

Marie and Sheldon always welcomed anyone who needed a place to stay, and for many years, her nephews spent summers “on the farm”, having great adventures.

Marie’s legacy is lovingly carried on by her 3 children, Shanda (Tony) Telck, Kelly Corsentino (Randy Sandoval), and Weldon (Deanna) Downer.  She is survived by 8 grandchildren, David (Tami) Telck, Calhan (Kari) Telck, Cydnee Pletcher (Kevin Goodwin)  Raegan (JR) Grant, Nathan (Jamie) Corsentino, Scott Sandoval, Victoria (Brian) Atakpo, and McKenna (Marshall) Lepre, and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 brothers, Kenneth (Sharon) Sporcich, John "Nick" Sporcich, and Jerry Sporcich. 

Marie’s celebration of life will be held January 24, 2026, 1:00 pm at Pathfinder Park event center 6655 State Hwy 115, Florence ,Co 81226.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s name to Fremont Regional Hospice, 1439 Main St. Canon City, CO 81212.  

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