Mary Ann grew up in Laramie, Wyoming. She graduated from University of Wyoming in 1956 with a BA in Business Education. She is survived by her brother Lance Johnson, her two children Jay Downey and Teresa Downey, and her grandson Randall Beeman. 

Most of her adult life was spent in San Jose, California where she was married to Jim Downey for 25 years. She was a DIYer and enjoyed many crafts in her spare time. She was an avid knitter, making afghans for many family members. Another deep passion was geneology. For many years she spent countless hours researching and fact-checking her maiden and married family trees. She produced amazingly organized volumes of information to be shared with her family. She also enjoyed working for many years as an accountant and business administrator at Stephen Chelbay Company. After she retired she adopted her beloved dog Cody. He was her constant companion until she passed. 

In March, 2015 she moved to Roseburg, Oregon and lived with both her son and daughter. She enjoyed the fresh air, beautiful trees, birds, and open spaces surrounding her home and around town. She loved shopping trips with her kids and loved spending all her time at home with little Cody. 

Mary Ann will be cremated and interred in Roseburg remaining close to her kids, Cody and all the rest of the "Downey" dogs.

Donations in memory of Mary Ann Downey can be made to American Macular Degeneration Foundation: https://www.macular.org