Downes, Joan Margaret "Joanie" (O'Donnell) 86, passed away on November 14, 2022, surrounded by family after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer and dementia. She was born in south Minneapolis to Marcella "Pat" Johnson and James O'Donnell. Joanie attended St. Margaret's Academy and graduated in 1954. Following high school, she worked for Prudential Insurance. Shortly after high school, she met her husband, Jerry Downes, on a blind date and they were married for over 62 years. Joanie and Jerry relocated several times but spent most of their time living in Rochester MN where Joanie was a homemaker and friend to all. Joanie was quick-witted, friendly, and always had a positive attitude. She enjoyed spending time with friends from her childhood, Rochester, or their cabin and would often talk on the phone for hours. She was constantly searching for the next great "bargain" and loved to stop at estate sales and antique shows. She successfully raised four boys, managed their school activities, and kept them out of trouble. She is known to many as "Onie" and will be greatly missed. Joanie is survived by her sister Sharon Polak (O'Donnell) of Minneapolis; her four sons Jeff (Peggy), Joe, Paul (Lana), Steve; 13 grandchildren: Brendan, Meghan, Connor, Molly, Shannon, Kevin, Kelly, Ryan, Kenzie, Nick, Colin, Keegan, Finny and 7 great grandchildren: Eyvlyn, Laney, Lilja, Cohen, Harper, Adelaide and Caden. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; parents, Marcella, and James; her sisters Rose Marie Wetterman and Kathy Eickholt and her granddaughter, Bridget Downes. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 16th at Assumption Catholic Church in St. Paul at 10:00 am. Visitation will take place one hour prior.