Jane N. Downey

Jane N. Downey

April 20, 1930 – March 15, 2023

May Her Memory Be For a Blessing

Jane Downey, formally of Oreland, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 15, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Xavier Downey (Chic).

Jane was born in 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in 1951. She married Chic in 1953.

Jane enjoyed a varied career in education and mental health. She retired from Northeast Community Center for Mental Health & Mental Retardation in March, 2011 at 80 years young. However, Jane would say her greatest accomplishment was raising her five children. She relished in their successes and their ever-present company.

Jane was larger than life! A witty and vivacious woman, full of joy. Everyone who met her wanted to be her friend. We were blessed to have her as a devoted mother and enduring cheerleader.

Jane is survived by her children; Melissa Fetterolf (Morton), Jane Albanese (Joe), Priscilla Martin (Len), Francis Xavier Jr., Mary Anne Daley (John) and her four grandchildren; Ashley, Alyssa, Amanda and John Robert, and her three great-grandchildren: Summer, Sienna and Vienna.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Memorial Service on Wednesday March 22, 2023 at 11:00am, at the John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 406 Easton Rd, Willow Grove PA 19090.  Visitation from 10am to 11am.

Interment is private.

The Eulogy

Jane Nathan Downey was 1 month shy of her 93rd birthday when she left us.

After graduating from Towson University she enjoyed a varied career in Education and Mental Health until the age of 80 when she retired from Northeast Community Center for Mental Health and Retardation.

If asked, Jane would say her greatest accomplishment was raising her 5 children. She definitely relished in their successes and their ever present company.

Her joy and enthusiasm were contagious. She was always up for gatherings and stuffing as many family and friends as she could into that little house in Manayunk. Had it not been for Jane's approval I would not have become a part of this large and varied family.

For the last 5 years all of her children came together to care for her at home which was her wish.  This undertaking was coordinated by Chic who moved in with her in Nov. 2017 and took charge of all aspects of her daily care. Although all of your sisters pitched in, you should know Chic that they recognize your sacrifice and tremendous , tireless job you did. You gave them all peace of mind. 

In the words of Helen Keller " What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we loved deeply becomes part of us."

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