May Downey

May Downey passed away on June 20, 2024 at the age of 93. May was born in Portland, Ore., one of four children. She went to elementary school at Concord School in Milwaukie and St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Portland for high school.

After a few years of college, May married John Downey and they had 3 children. They were married for 70 years before his passing in 2020.

Once her children were older, May completed her education at the University of Oregon, earning a degree in Elementary Education. She taught for over 20 years.

May loved to travel, visiting Australia, Egypt, and numerous countries in Europe. She was an avid tennis player well into her 80’s. After retiring from teaching, she became a docent at the U of O Museum of Art and part of the Dragon Puppet Theatre that entertained many groups of children.

May is survived by her daughter Barbara (husband, Kevin) and son John (wife, Monica); four granddaughters, Samantha, Alanna, Laura, and Michelle; and two great granddaughters, Gillian and Bridget.

May will be interred alongside her husband, John, at Willamette National Cemetery on July 31, 2024.