Irene G. Downing, age 97, formerly of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of April 8, 2022, at Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington. Born July 19, 1924, in New Castle, she was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Pawlowski) Galant. She was preceded in death on September 27, 2010, by her husband of 66 years, Richard Roy Downing, whom she married August 19, 1944. Irene was employed at the former Barons Hardware Store and co-owner with her husband of the well-known Sweet Shop and Caiazza Candy in New Castle for 37 years. She held membership in several clubs including the Soroptimist Club, Rose Day Club, Shenango Beagle Club, Keystone Clowns and World Clown Association as well as the Ladies of the Dukes. Irene enjoyed being with people and especially loved time with her family at their many dinners together. She was a member of St. Camillus Church and active in the Ladies Guild. She is survived by one son, Jay Downing and his wife Patty of New Castle; four grandchildren, Allyson (Ryan) Cook, Michelle (Ashley) Haynes, Evan (Makayla) Downing and Abbey Downing; four great-grandchildren; and seventeen nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Jeff Downing; one grandson, Paul Downing; two brothers, Edward Galant and John Galant; and four sisters, Helen Smith, Sally McIntyre, Florence Deskiewitz and Marie Mariacher. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 12, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for St. Camillus Church, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Father Joseph McCaffrey will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence County Humane Society, PO Box 62, New Castle, PA 16103 or online at www.lawrencecountyhumane.com Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com