DOWNEY, Jan Jan "MiMi" Downey 76 of Austin went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 27, 2017. Jan was born on February 22, 1941 in Hudson, New York to Louis and Alice Nawrocky. Growing up in a military family she spent her childhood years in New York, Germany and Arlington, Va. Jan first met the love of her life, Charles Russell Downey, at the young age of six. Russ and Jan crossed paths again in high school and became high school sweethearts. They were married in Washington DC on January 26, 1965. They started their family in Westpoint,NY before moving to Waco and finally settling in Austin in 1972. Jan graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY in 1963. After graduation she became a teacher and taught Junior High in the DC area and Junior College in Texas. Jan and Russ were foster parents for 35 years fostering close to 200 children. She was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church where she was active in the Crafty Ladies, Onion Creek Senior Center where she was a member of the Buda Bees Quilting Club she was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Survivors include her husband Russ, two children Christine Rhynehart and husband Chad of Amarillo, TX and Russell Downey and wife Lori of Richardson, TX. Seven Grandchildren Kelsey, Carly, Clay, Aaron, Ryan, Sarah and Jordan. Visitation will be held, Friday, December 29, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held, Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later time. Memorials can be made to Onion Creek Senior Center, 420 Barton Crossing, Buda, TX 78610 or American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123
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Russell, I just heard about Jan's passing. I am so sorry and sad. I think a lot of you and always enjoyed visiting with Jan when she was at the SH Office. My prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Robertson
February 17, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about Jan. We worked at ARC many years ago at the Jefferson bldg. So many laughs together.So sorry for your lost.
Nancy Weaver
January 2, 2018
Dear Russell and family,
Joe and I lived in Castlewood Forrest for 32 years and I visited your home many times to chat with Jan. We stayed in touch through the Castlewood Ladies Group. She and I would visit with Leanna Lankford and talk about the small children each of them would be keeping. How lucky those little ones were to be placed with Jan and Leanna to receive the care and love they badly needed.
Jan was always impressive in whatever she did, foster parent and as I read notes from other friends...many other things. I had not seen her in awhile but we did talk via email.
Our love and sympathy to you and your family. Your loss is God's gain, be thankful! Shirley and Joe Walker
Joe has the flu and we didn't get to the services but wanted to.. Shirley & Joe Walker
Shirley & Joe Walker
December 31, 2017
Russ and family,
Jan has been a part of our family for more than 60 years. Jan & Russ - they have been a couple for most of that time. They were inseparable in our thoughts and love.Jan was more than a sister-in-law; she was a sister in love...
Arthur Downey
December 29, 2017
I am so sorry that I lost my friend Jan. I feel very blessed to have met her through Krafty Ladies. Due to a cold, I will not be able to make it to her services. But I will remember her in a Cancer Donation.
With Deepest Sympathy, Suzann Spears
Suzann Spears
December 29, 2017
My dear friend Jan will be missed by friends and family. She will be always dear to my heart. Love and prayers. Gloria Drake
Gloria Drake
December 29, 2017
Russ and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Jan's passing. I'm in RI visiting family for the holidays and unfortunately will not be able to attend Jan's services. Jan was a true friend who I love dearly and will miss greatly. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Margaret (Maggie) Zanella
December 28, 2017
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Dec
29
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
Dec
30
10:00 a.m.
Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
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Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
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