ALBANY – Mary Downes Horan, 72, of Albany, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2018. Mary was born in Providence, RI, and lived for a time in Pawtucket, RI, but had lived in Albany since 1948. She was a graduate of Vincentian Institute, the College of Saint Rose, and earned a Masters degree at the State University at Albany in Educational Psychology and Statistics. Mary held several positions during her long career at the New York State Education Department. She was a past president of the Northeast Educational Research Association and continued to be an engaged conference participant. Mary was a communicant of All Saints Catholic Church and the former Holy Cross Church, and was very active in the church seniors group.
Mary was predeceased by her parents John E. Downes and Beatrice A. Convey Downes. She is survived by her brother Linus Downes (Mary Kay) of Centreville, VA; her sister Anne Downes of Northampton, MA; her niece Kathryn Anne Shoreman (John); her nephews John E. Downes (Kathleen), and Charles J. “CJ” Downes (Alicia); and by ten great nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in the Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Friends of the VI Grotto, Lourdes Grotto Restoration, P.O. Box 8896, Albany, NY 12208. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Rachael Graham
Dear Anne, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. You have been in my thoughts since the news. I know how close you two were. You spoke often of the times you and she spent together and your visits to Albany. I wish I could have met her. On a selfish note, I will miss her blueberry muffins! Much love to you and your family
Rene Andersen
Mary’s visits to Northampton to be with Anne were eagerly anticipated. She brought breads and sweets for Anne’s friends and neighbors. Her kindness and generosity were appreciated by all who benefited from her baking skills.
My thoughts are with you – siblings, niece and nephews, and their families.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
Mary Ann and Ken Vinton
Our deepest sympathies to Anne, Linus and Mary Kay, and families. May she rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord.
Ned & Connie O’Brien
Dear Ann and Linus, We are shocked and so sorry to learn of Mary’s sudden death. We carry with us memories of delightful years of X-C skiing. Our February weeks together in Stowe Vermont were full of great food, much hilarity and lots of slipping and sliding. Mary was like an aunt to our two kids, David and Diane. Though we have not seen Mary often in recent years, she remains a dear friend. We send our deepest sympathy.
Naomi Tropp
I was so saddened to hear of Mary’s death. I know she was loved and will be deeply missed. I wish I had gotten to know her better, but will always remember how she would occasionally arrive at our door accompanied by her sister Anne bearing a container of her delicious homemade cookies. My sister Jessie and I will make a contribution to Friends of the VI Grotto in her honor. May she rest in peace.
Christine Richardson
My father lives across from Mary and she always kept on eye on him. If the garage door was ever left open, or she saw something out of place, she always called my Dad to make sure everything was ok. Mary also made the best blueberry muffins. I know that my father really misses Mary, as they spoke on the phone often and had a wonderful friendship. God Bless you Mary and thank you for all you did for my dad.
Kathie Dolan Wood
Ann so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Kathleen Yanni
My condolences to the family. I worked with Mary at the State Education Department. She was always a kind and supportive co- worker and truly one of the hardest working people I ever knew.
Pat Sullivan Hickey
Dear Linus and Anne, I don’t know if you will remember me. It has been a long time. My name is Pat Sullivan and Mary and I were very dear friends through grade school and high school. I am so very sorry to read of her passing. I have only very fond memories of my childhood adventures with Mary and I send you my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Sincerely, Pat
Joanne Kirchhof
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your sister. You do not know us, but we met Mary through Millie Futia. Mary would often accompany Millie and the Futia family when we had our Fall Farm Festival. We always enjoyed having her over and loved her delicious baked goods. What a terrific and kind lady. She will certainly be missed.
patricia krusee
Dear Anne and Linus
Another name from the past Pat Hayes Krusee,
I did get a nice Christmas card from Mary with an article about the Grotto,but no mention of poor health. So Mary, not to burden anyone.
We did keep in contact occasionally, now I regret it wasn’t more.
We had such good memories from grade school and Hi School.
May she rest in peace and get returns on her wonderful kindness and thoughtfulness.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Pat
Adrianne Andrews
My deepest condolences to my neighbor Anne (Mary’s sister in Northampton) and the entire loving family of Mary. In my acquaintance with Mary I always felt her kindness and caring. I will deeply miss Mary, who I dubbed “The Cookie Fairy.” We always knew when Mary was in town visiting Anne because there would appear at our doors, as if by magic, containers of delicious homemade cookies, which I discovered were made and delivered by Mary. What a treasure she has been to all whose lives she touched. A peaceful heavenly rest is now hers.
Rosemarie and Paul Blickfeld
So sorry to hear about your sisters passing! I just found out about it or I would have been there for your family. Please if there is anything we can do please let us know. This is her hairstylist Rosemarie!
Kathy Garvey Peyser
Dear Linus and Anne, I am so saddened by Mary’s passing. She was such a good friend to me through high school and years after. I have so many wonderful memories of picnics, proms, breakfasts with your Dad and just time spent on your front porch! I was surprised not to receive her Christmas card this year, always accompanied by a long personal letter and not aware of her passing until now. Mary was not only my friend but a friend to our entire family. The last we saw each other was in 2013 at my Mother’s funeral services. I loved Mary for her friendship, her support, and her strength. I will miss her. With sincere condolences, Kathy Garvey Peyser