Rochelle D. Downing

September 4, 2019

GENEVA – Rochelle D. “Shelly” Davidoff Downing , 83 of Geneva, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at her home. There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral services and burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions, in her memory, may be made to Family Counseling of the Finger Lakes or to a charity of one’s choice. Shelly was born in Sandersville, Georgia on March 28, 1936. After graduating from high school there, she attended the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, where she received her B.S. and M. S. degrees in chemistry. She was the daughter of the late Alex and Libby Zion Davidoff. She was an associate professor of chemistry, physics and math at Finger Lakes Community College for many years, serving as chairman of the faculty for three terms. She married Donald L. Downing in December 1959 in Athens. They were happily married for 49 years, until his death in February 2008. Shelly was the first woman to serve as President of Geneva Country Club and was winner of the Geneva Country Club Women’s Club Golf Championship multiple times. She had a special interest in and enthusiastically participated in the landscaping of the Club. In addition to being a skilled golfer, she was an avid reader, expert bridge player, and talented gardener. Visitors frequently stopped by to see the beauty found in her gardens and landscape. Shelly had wide interest and was a generous supporter of many local organizations including the Geneva Library and Geneva Historical Society. She is survived by her son, Kurt (Janice) Downing of Dublin, Ohio; her daughter, Karla Downing of Phelps; her granddaughter, Jacklyn (Alexander) Downing Sira of Las Vegas, NV; and her great grandson, Zachary Sira. The family would like to express their extreme appreciation to those aides and persons whose assistance was tremendously helpful in caring for Rochelle during her final illness and they are – Susan, B. J., Patti, Elaine, Carmen, Cindy, and Jamie. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Dr. Donald L. Downing who died on February 29, 2008.