Ruth M. Downey

Ruth Mary (Rich) Downey, 86, of West Hills, California died Friday, January 22, 2016. She was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on June 21, 1929 to the late Melvin E. Rich and Marion E. (Churchill) Rich. She graduated from St. Ann High School (Class of 1947) in Gloucester, Massachusetts and then attended Mount St. Mary College in New Hampshire. Later she obtained a medical technician license from Boston Dispensary.

She married James P. (Jim) Downey, Jr. on October 6, 1951 at St. Ann Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts. They were married 60 years until her husband’s death on March 23, 2012.

Ruth’s greatest joy in life was being a mom. Even before she had her own children, Ruth helped raise her youngest brother, David, who was born when she was 17. Then she raised five children of her own whom she loved deeply and often called her life’s work. In her later years, when her health was failing, being visited by her children and particularly her young grandchildren would always bring a smile to her face.

After her children were grown, Ruth and her husband, Jim, loved to travel around the world to places such as Greece, Italy, France, Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland. Ruth was an avid reader, and prior to each trip, she would spend weeks learning the history of the next destination. She enjoyed preparing for the trips almost as much as going on them. They also made a number of lifelong friends from those they met on these trips.

Ruth Mary (Rich) Downey is survived by her five children - Kathy Lancaster of Danville, California, Ellen Cooper of Simi Valley, California, Christopher Downey of West Hills, California, Sara Torres of Rochester, Minnesota and Anne Downey of West Hills, California; her ten grandchildren - Matthew, Elizabeth, Andrew, Brian, Emma, Ryan, Lauren, Joshua, Justine and Nathaniel; and her great granddaughter - Lucille.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. John Eudes Catholic Church in Chatsworth, California with Monsignor Robert J. McNamara officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary, Northridge, CA.