Bette Smith Downs

With apologies to the bard, "Age did not wither her, nor custom stale for infinite variety". Bette began life as a farm girl but her urban pioneer father moved the family to Detroit when she was a young girl and she learned to live city life. Detroit, New York City, and Paris were among her favorites. Bette was a graduate of Wayne State University. She started her professional life in a world that was changing. An unintended positive consequence of World Ware II included new career opportunities for women able and tough enough to slice open the newly permeable employment barriers. And slice and dice them she did. She started with the City of Detroit Housing Authority in 1942 in an entry level position and ended 16 years later as Director of Research, Information and Statistics. During her years with the Housing Authority she knew everyone, knew how things worked, and how to affect events during Detroit's glory years. Bette left the Housing Authority when she married Robert Callard and moved to Corning, NY in 1958. Bette worked with the Corning Public Schools and was Editor of the District's Newsletter until she left in 1971. The Corning years found Bette supporting her husband's career and remaining active in liberal political struggles. After the death of her husband Bette married Tom Downs in 1971. Tom and Bette enjoyed 36 years of marriage that included significant activity in liberal politics and world travel. Bette was also an accomplished writer, enjoyed classical music and entertaining. Tom Downs died in 2007.

Bette is survived by Tom's children. Tim Downs (Barbara Downs) of Washington DC, Elizabeth Collins (John Collins) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Katy Downs (Kate Murphy) of Pickney, MI, and Sarah Down (Russ Reader) of Orlando, FL; daughter-in-law, Linda Downs, of Brooklyn, NY; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for September 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the Unitarian Church, 855 Grove St., East Lansing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sparrow Hospice Service, Sparrow Foundation, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-7980 in Bette's memory. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, MI. On line condolences may be at www.greastlansing.com