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(1939-2023)
Pat was a highly respected, competent, deeply committed administrator. She was recognized for this ministry by Barry University in 2003 when she received the Adrian Dominican Leadership Award on behalf of the Adrian Dominican Sisters who worked in diocesan central educational offices. But she was as deeply committed to her vocation as an Adrian Dominican Sister. In her annals she often shared her choice to live simply and her mindfulness of the challenge of balancing ministry with community life.
Sister Rosemary Asaro, Holy Rosary Mission Chapter Assistant, in this eulogy was describing Sister Patricia Downey, whose ministries had included thirty-seven years in educational administrative positions in Michigan and especially Illinois.
Patricia Jeannette Downey entered the world in Chicago on January 18, 1939, born three months prematurely to Edmund and Jeannette (Sunderland) Downey. In her life story, she attributed her early arrival to being “[e]ager to join my mom, dad, and older sister.”
She ended up being the middle of three children, between Mary Catherine and Edmund, born two years after Pat.
Read more about Sister Pat (PDF)
Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.
Leave your comments and remembrances (if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link).
Thank you, Sr. Pat for your many years of living out your "yes" to Jesus! So many fond memories of the years we spent serving on the Rockford Diocese Evangelization Commission. It was a joy to know you, loved your amazing smile and trusted your wisdom. Rest in the arms of your Lord. Please pray for us. Hope to see again one day in the heavenlies.
Sister Patricia welcomed me as a new principal into the Rockford Diocese with guidance and support. She knew how to laugh at the small stuff, yet was never shy about handling the difficulties. I was blessed to have known her, especially early in my career, as she gave me confidence and grace. My condolences and prayers to the family and sisters.
Rest in Peace, Sr. Pat. My parents and I always admired you <3
The Downey family was an integral part of my elementary years at St. Ailbe’s. I will cherish the memories of Pat and her sister Mary Catherine as part of my growing years.
Our Adrian Dominican cemetery with its circular headstones is a beautiful place of rest for women who gave their lives in service to God — and a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance.
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