Katherine Jean Downey

Born in Rexton, N.B., on Feb. 5, 1931, she was a daughter of Ernie and Katie (Robertson) Hudson. She graduated from the N.B. Teacher's College in Fredericton in 1949. She began her teaching career in Shediac and boldly boarded a train for Alberta, where she taught in Diamond City and Taber.

Her fiance, Harry Cochrane, followed her to Alberta. They were married in Taber, Alberta, in 1955 and built a house in Calgary, where they had two children. They moved back to Moncton in 1966, where she began teaching at Wynwood Drive School, and later became principal.

Her husband, Harry, passed away in 1984 after a long battle with ALS.

She remarried Don Downey and had a second life in retirement as they travelled to Japan, Britain, Mexico and Alaska. Don passed away in 2013.

Through her life, Jean carried a positive attitude. She played piano and fiddle and would always sing while doing dishes or sweeping floors.

"I had to embrace change and challenge, sickness in the family, death, remarriage, cancer, but always tried my best to adapt, live in the present and live my life as if the best day of my life is today," she wrote in her autobiography.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Sister Louise and two brothers, Stuart and Bob.

She is survived by son Alan Cochrane in Moncton, daughter Karen Michaud (Paul); grandchildren, Colin Cochrane of Moncton and Kyla Cochrane of Riverview; Jana Romyn (Nick) of Cambridge and their daughters Leah and Ava.

She is also survived by her step-family; Ferne Downey (Paul Ledoux), Ross Downey, Carol Downey, Kevin Downey (Maia), and daughters Catherine and Ava.

As per her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral in Ontario. A celebration of life is being planned for the summer of 2025. Interment will be at St. Andrew's United Church Cemetery in Rexton.