Donna Jean Downey

She was born August 8, 1928 in Salem, Ohio, one of six children of Walter and Isabel (Derr) Regal. She graduated from Salem High School in Salem, Ohio.

Donna married Lawrence John Downey in Tucson, Arizona on August 29, 1947.

In her early years of marriage, Donna was employed as a telephone operator. An ardent admirer of Emilia Earhart, she took flying lessons. Her other interests through the years included dancing with her husband, music, horseback riding, reading, sculpturing, gardening, and knitting.

An accomplished artist, Donna studied at Marietta College, the Famous Artists School of Fine Art, and with Charles Reid, Claude Croney, and Lyman Anderson. She showed her artwork at juried and invitational exhibits in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming and at galleries and museums in Pennsylvania and Wyoming. Her artwork was sought through corporate commissions and by collectors.

Survivors include her brothers Robert Regal of Chattanooga, TN and Dean Regal of Garland, TX; sisters Ruth Cording and Lillian Valdez, both of Tucson, AZ; sons Lawrence Downey of Fenton, MO and Donald Downey (Brenda) of Hollywood, FL; daughters Julie Mester (Joe) of Topeka, KS and Dona Hancock (John) of Colorado Springs, CO; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Downey was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry; infant daughter, Linda; and sister, Jenny.

In keeping with her wishes, a cremation is planned; A memorial mass will be held at Mount Saint Francis of Assisi, at 11:00 am on the 27th of February 2017 with a private inurnment following.

Gifts in memory of Donna Downey may be made to Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.