Barbara Downey

Barbara Ann Downey (Hannan) from Glen Mills, PA and formerly from Westtown, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 5, 2021. Barb was born in Philadelphia on February 18, 1948, the daughter of the late James and Helen Hannan (Clancy). She was the beloved wife of Thomas Downey Sr., who preceded her in death in 2011. Barb and Tom were high school sweethearts (West Catholic in Philadelphia) and were together for over 47 years, having married between one of Tom’s Vietnam tours. They had one son, Thomas Downey Jr. (Shannon) who survives.

Barb, along with her husband, resided and worked at The Westtown School where Barb worked in the school store and library and later retired to care for her most treasured grandchildren. She and husband Tom were beloved as parental figures among the many Westtown students over the 30 years they spent living and working there. Barb also served as an auxilary member of the Goshen Fire Company.  Barb was known for her emphatic love of her family and friends, her infectous smile, unique laugh, spectacular cooking and was famous for her potato salad and the holiday feasts she prepared on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Saint Patrick’s Day. She loved her family and friends deeply and was a selfless, nuturing person to all. Barb was also a breast cancer survivor.

Barb is survived by her four adoring grandsons, Patrick Downey, Ryan Downey, Patrick Rowe and Shawn Rowe along with her granddog,” Ziggy”, whom she named. Also survived by her loving brother Thomas Hannan (Sharon).  And by her beloved brother-in-laws, Steven Downey and Jack Daniel (Kim) along with her nieces and nephews, Megan, Leah, Kevin, Brighid, Brian, Taylor, Lauren, and Kevin whom Barb cherished.

Barb loved the color pink. She enjoyed many trips to the beach in Rehoboth, DE with her husband. She was an avid collector of lighthouses and Irish symbolisms. Her passion was to attend sporting events of her grandsons and rooting on her Philadelphia sports teams. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by those she leaves behind.

No charities are designated as Barb loved flowers.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, October 7, 2021 and 9:00-10:00 AM Friday, October 8, 2021 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA, 610-431-9000 followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery.