Obituary of Agnes DOWNS (nee Hoffart)

August 24, 1935 – Mendham, Saskatchewan    
April 8, 2021 - High River, Alberta

Agnes Downs (nee Hoffart) beloved wife of Albert Downs of High River, AB, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the age of 85 years.

Born on a farm on the Saskatchewan prairie in 1935 to pioneer parents in the middle of the dirty 30’s, was most certainly a challenging time and no doubt helped to build the character of an amazing human being. It was these beginnings that took her on a journey, a journey that took her from her early childhood on the Saskatchewan prairie to Taber, Alberta where she spent her teenage years with her fondest memory being the picking and weeding of beets in the fields around Taber. Actually it was one of her least fondest memories. Perhaps that is why she escaped to the big city lights of Calgary. After moving to Calgary she began working at the Calgary Herald where she met the love of her life, Albert Downs. It wouldn’t be long before the romance turned to marriage, then children, with five in total. Those were busy years raising five kids, plus she babysat neighbours’ kids and if that wasn’t enough there were always friends hanging about. The Downs’ house was the neighbourhood gathering place. Everyone was welcomed and an extra plate was always set for whoever hadn’t gone home by dinner time. As the kids became more independent it was time for her next career. She began working at Sears Canada Service department. Over the next 17 years Agnes would make many friends and as a service contract writer, was able to diagnose appliance issues almost as well as the technicians. During this time, every Sunday was a family gathering, and the numbers kept on increasing with children's spouses and eventually grandchildren. It wasn’t long before these gatherings were 15 or more people. Christmas, Easter, birthdays and almost any occasion was a good reason to gather the family. As an added excuse for getting together Agnes and Albert built a cabin on the Bow River east of Calgary. Sunday dinners turned into weekend sleepovers and even more time together. Retirement was the next step in the journey, and a move to High River was made. The regular family gatherings continued and about this same time she caught the travel bug. She discovered that you can travel just about anywhere in Canada or the US on a bus so she and her sister or sisters would make many trips, often to places where you could find a casino. During these retirement years she continued to be active, bowling, creating the most amazing flower gardens, volunteering at St Francis de Sales, and of course continuing to host family gatherings. During the last few months of her journey she became much more introspective by facing her fate head on with an incredible courage, which she attributed to her faith and belief in prayer.

How do you sum up a life well lived? Probably by some simple values that she demonstrated, almost every single day of her life. Show kindness and love to everyone, especially her family. Having faith that God knows best and that prayer brings us closer to our creator. If you haven't already realized from Agnes’ story, family is important. She was so proud of her family.

Agnes can mostly be described as unflappable, no matter what the crisis or perceived crisis she approached life with peace and determination to find the good in all and everyone. We will miss her so much!

Besides her loving husband Albert, married for 65 years, Agnes is survived by her one daughter, Candice Clampitt (Blaine); four sons, Kelvin Downs (Helene), Darcy Downs (Kathy), Carey Downs (Kristi), Les Downs (Ann Laniel); nine grandchildren, Jeremy Downs (Surayyo Holdarova Boysinova), Riana Downs, Riley Downs, Matthew Clampitt, Kayla Clampitt (Adam Romaniuk), Braxton Downs, Addison Downs, Emily Downs; and great-granddaughter Leandra Durant Downs. Agnes is also survived by her brother, Wendell Hoffart (Noel); sisters Barbara Charette, and Adeline Mayer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Agnes was predeceased by her parents John Hoffart and Balidia Hoffart (nee Volk); brother John Hoffart; sisters, Anna Marie Hoffart (infant), Marge Heap; brothers-in-law, Francis Charette, Michael Heap and Anton Mayer; and grandchild Trevor Downs.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (206 9 Ave SW, High River, AB T1V 1A4) on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Agnes’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Family and friends are invited to join Mrs. Downs’ service streamed live at www.francisdesaleshighriver.com and click on the live stream button on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. 

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the High River District Health Care Foundation, https://www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca/.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Medicine Tree Manor in High River for their kindness and to the staff who took such great care of Agnes during her time at the High River Hospital.

In living memory of Agnes Downs, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.