Maryann Alice Downer

I worked with Maryann for quite some time at St. Mary's Hospital. She always had a smile and a sense of humor!! She was a pleasure to work with!!!! Such a wonderful person and exceptional nurse. My condolences to her family.....❤

- Karen Perry (formerly Karen Sebenick)

So very very sorry for your loss. We never knew her, but we all belong to St John Vianney and wanted to let you know that we care. May she rest in the Peace of Christ! Love, Tom & Mary Bearss

- Mary Bearss

For My Auntie Maryann She was a teacher from the very beginning. When I was very young, I offered her a candied orange slice. She said, “Oh, no, dear. Too much sugar makes one fat.” How I was miffed at her for saying something like that. Her early years were not easy as times were tough. The house was stressed but she cheered them all; she was the youngest. With my Mother, she canoed the Kalamazoo an became friends with those who lived on the riverside and in the small town of Saugatuck. She stepped outside her parent’s bounds to marry the one sent to her. But she and he together with smiles and understanding turned derision into delight that lasted for years, especially at the cottage in summertime as we all eagerly awaited their arrival so we could all think of another name starting with “M” for their next little one. They had a riot of children, or is it a gaggle or commotion or uproar of kids? I wouldn’t know as we were only two. Open only one present each on each day of Christmas until it’s all gone to keep the joy going and to learn thankfulness and appreciation. She loved to talk and kept the phone at her ear Causing laughter and reflection on and on And then anxiously wondered about what the bill would be. In her moments of weakness she worked it out with poetry about sand and kohlrabi and chilly water and virtue and truth and let things go their cycle so things ended up in their rightful place. When her father was in his dotage and flummoxed by his inabilities, In frustration he cried out, “I hate you” at her efforts to help. Others might stand aghast, but she thought a moment and said that when such things are said by those close, then love and hate are two sides of the same coin. She gathered her sisters every year for bonding, a group that eventually dwindled. A celebration of sense and nonsense. I remember them successful, finally, in lighting a match with only their toes. When Mother grew old and would not consider another place to live Auntie reasoned and discussed and investigated and offered alternatives But in the end, accepted a person’s right to choose. Such was her outlook on all of life. Her man was called after much trial and she lived with the lake, her dog, and her reflections, relishing the visits of her children and the roar of the waves. And now her turn has come; she is fulfilled. Shall I be angry? She was the last of her generation and has left us bare, to witness our calling one by one. She was amused by ambiguity and saw purity in imperfection. She said that roses can grow where tears must fall. She is summertime. Perhaps I will see many flowers.

- John Hedelund

May she be truly at peace and with her beloved Mon. She was always Mrs. Downer to us kids next door but it was always Mon and Maryanne with their wonderful children we knew as ourselves children growing up side by side. She was my mothers best friend as they navigated the trenches of multiple children, disasters and laughter, she will be missed, Love from all us Meyer kids!

- BarbaraMoura