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June Downing Obituary

June E. Downing died peacefully at home July 20, 2011, after ten months with cancer. She was born June 23, 1950 in Washington, D.C. Dr. Downing was Professor Emerita of Special Education at CSU Northridge, where she taught from 1995-2007 and Assoc. Prof. in Special Ed at the U of Arizona from 1987-1995. A student wrote: "You pushed me to think, to ask why not, to problem solve, to make what used to be impossible, possible". June published nine books, 13 monographs andcurricula, 14 book chapters, and more than 38 articles. She presented numerous keynotes and workshops on teaching students with multiple disabilities and deaf-blindness throughout the United States and internationally, including: Canada, Australia, Russia and Abu Dhabi. June was on the Executive Board of TASH, an advocacy org. for those with disabilities and was founding member of CHIME Institute, an inclusive school. She supported adoptions through HOPE Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter. She was known for spinning on the dance floor and for rolling her eyes and joking when life called for it. June was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Mabel Ernst. She is survived by her beloved dogs, Nick, Misty and Halle; sisters, Phyllis Brown and Barbara Ernst; brothers and sisters-in-law, John Ernst and Montharee Sone-Umpai and Michael Ernst and Jareya Nualthong; half-brother and sister-in-law, Philip W. and Mary Ernst; brother-in-law, Robert Brown; nieces, Elizabeth and Maria Brown and her many friends and colleagues. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center Heritage Room, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson. June wrote: "My hope is for a kinder world and a place where all children and animals have a safe and loving home". Donations to one of the following will further her work: Hope Animal Shelter (hopeanimalshelter.net), TASH (tash.org), CHIME Institute (chimeinstitute.org). Arrangements by UOFA WILLED BODY PROGRAM.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jul. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Erin Sheldon

October 2, 2011

I am so sad to see this obituary! I had no idea that June had passed. I am the mother of an 8 year old girl with multiple disabilities. I first found June's books and articles about four years ago. Her work changed our lives. For the first time, we began dreaming about literacy and real school work rather than bleak life skills. My daughter's life is rich and full. She is learning academics at school, participating in many extracurricular activities and loves learning. This is in huge tribute to June, whose work gave us a vision and a how-to manual. Her work reinforced that the most important thing we could do to help our daughter was ensure she has a life rich with experiences to share, because that is the building block of literacy. Thank you, June.

August 7, 2011

A great teacher and a total human being. Her essay tests at the U of A were some of the most challenging I ever encountered. And she didn't just let you get a "grade" she made you revise the essay until you understood. A teacher par excellence.
- Ed Waller, student 1991-1993

Judy Lewandowski

August 3, 2011

June was my mentor and was the person responsible for my entry into the professional world of special education. I will never forget her and I will be forever grateful for her inspiration and guidance.

August 1, 2011

Lynn Fleharty, fellow traveler and friend, love always.

Bev Kurtz

July 29, 2011

I will always hold warm memories of the times I shared with June in Tucson many years ago. I am so very sorry that the Ernst family has lost one of their own. My heart goes out to them and to all who were touched by June's light.

July 28, 2011

June was a remarkable young woman and it was a privilege to know her. Ann Titus, Colorado Springs, CO

July 28, 2011

June touched so many people and lived her life in service to others. I'll always treasure her lovely gift of singing and our life together in the 70s.

Jim Downing

Michael Keller

July 28, 2011

June was a little spark of light among the other little bits of light that make up the volunteers of Hope. Her physical presence has been missed, but her spirit is in all of our hearts.

Linda Levine

July 27, 2011

It was my privilege to know June, a remarkable human being. June had the sensitivity to get to the heart of what was important and to change lives. She will be sorely missed.

Robin Swasey

July 27, 2011

i know it very sad about june died

Bev Rainforth

July 27, 2011

June inspired countless families, students, and educators with great conviction, knowledge, and love. We will miss her.

Cathy Chavez

July 27, 2011

June, It's been many many years but you have made a impression on me that I will forever cherish. Know that you were loved by many. I hope that you rest in peace with love. ~Cathy Chavez (Sgro)

Caroline Palmer

July 27, 2011

Very sad to hear of her passing. She was an amazing woman who did so much to help the animals at HOPE

Susan Marks

July 27, 2011

June, such an invaluable colleague who pointed the way for so many of us. The work continues as a shining testament to the lives touched by your example, vision, and dreams.

July 27, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the family at this time of sorrow. Especially Michael & Ya. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Dilini

Susan Scherl

July 27, 2011

Our sympathies to her family and friends. June will be terribly missed at HOPE Animal Shelter where she worked so hard to find forever homes for many of our dogs and cats.

Steve & Kathy Freeman

July 27, 2011

May the good lord bless your family at this time of sorrow. We feel truly grateful that we were able to meet June and look forward to helping to spread the word of an inclusive education for all students.

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