Margaret SNJM DOWNEY Sr.

03/11/1914 - 04/28/2014

DOWNEY, Sr. Margaret (Agnes Miriam), SNJM Margaret Downey was one of 13 children born to Irish father, Patrick and Bohemian mother, Victoria Kotaska Downey. Her father took up a homestead in what is now Bellevue, WA. Stories of their family, home and the beauty and fertility of their land have been precious memories shared by Margaret. Her parents believed strongly in Catholic education and were determined that their children should attend Catholic schools even though it meant crossing Lake Washington on a ferry and taking busses to school. Margaret graduated from Cathedral elementary school and Holy Names Academy in Seattle before joining the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She pronounced her vows in 1934 as Sister Agnes Miriam and began her teaching career shortly thereafter. She earned a B.A. in Education from Holy Names College in Spokane and a M. Ed. in Education from Western Washington State College in Bellingham. From 1934 -1978 she taught every grade as well as serving as Principal from 1958-1975 in parochial schools in Oregon and Washington. In 1981, Sister Margaret was invited to begin the Associate Program in Seattle for men and women desiring a prayer and ministry connection with the Holy Names Sisters. In 1986, Sister Margaret moved to Ferndale, then Blaine, as a member of a pastoral team, a ministry she loved and to which she was well-suited because of her gentleness and compassion. Although by 1996, when most people her age would have fully retired, Margaret continued to offer ministry service at Convent of the Holy Names, in Toppenish, and back in Spokane to assist with the Associate Program there. Throughout her ministries, she has been loved and respected. She had a special gift for empowering her teachers and students to be creative and successful. Margaret loved to travel, and enjoyed time in Europe, Hawaii, and Lesotho in South Africa, where the Holy Names Sisters have schools and orphanages and a clinic. She did Bloomsday eight times, placing third in her division! Margaret was serious about her responsibilities, but her Irish eyes and celebrative spirit were nearly always in evidence! She will be remembered for her joy in music and dancing, her ability to form lasting relationships, and her joy in life. She not only waltzed on her 90th birthday, she did an Irish jig! She celebrated her 100th birthday this March, and although her heart and feet were surely dancing, it was a sit-down affair, nonetheless joyful for that! Sister Margaret died April 28, 2014. She is survived by her religious Sisters and by generations of her numerous and loving nieces and nephews, many of whom were present at her centenary celebration! Mass of Resurrection will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Convent of the Holy Names. Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund, 2911 West Fort Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224.