Jean Marie Downs

MADISON-Jean M. Downs, age 68, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Meriter Hospital. She was born on April 17, 1949, in Madison, the daughter of Marcus and Rose (Severson) Johnson.  Jean graduated from Madison East High School in 1967.  She went on to earn her Associate degree in Graphic Design from MATC.  She was a talented and creative graphic designer who enjoyed the challenges that came with her profession.  Jean married John R. Skophammer on July 9, 1983 at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison.  Jean loved to paint and was an avid photographer.  She painted murals for family and could always be relied upon to photograph precious family moments or the natural beauty she saw around her.  She enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb, especially with any variety of cactus. She loved reading, movies, walking through gardens, the Madison Farmers Market, the Badgers, the Packers, but most of all, her family.  Jean is survived by her husband; daughter, Rachel (Michael) Rolefson; son, Scott (Kimberly) Downs; step-daughter, Tracy (Brian) Willem; brother, James (Lana) Johnson; five grandchildren, Nicole Rolefson, Daniel Rolefson, Benjamin Willem, Reese Downs and Stephen Downs; mother-in-law, Velva Skophammer; brother-in-law, Tom (Karen) Skophammer; and sister-in-law, Sandra (David) Altman.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and father-in-law, Robert Skophammer.  A memorial gathering will be held at MONKS BAR AND GRILL- VERONA, 1050 N Edge Trail, Verona, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. Memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.