Peggy Lorraine Downs

On October 25, 2023, Peggy Lorraine Downs passed over into the presence of God. Peggy was born on August 28, 1949, in Barberton, Ohio. She graduated from Norton High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Illinois, then Kent State University, and after moving to Arizona, she received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Arizona State University. She married her high school sweetheart, John D. Downs on June 12, 1970, in Barberton, Ohio.

Peg and John spent their honeymoon in Arizona, and being tired of Ohio winters, they decided to move to Arizona and make Ahwatukee their permanent home. Their family soon grew to four with the birth of their son and then their daughter. She and John were married for over 53 years.

Although this may seem as if she lived an average life, Peggy was never average. In her preteen years she fell victim to an unknown virus that left her paraplegic. She spent a full year in the Cleveland Clinic with no firm diagnosis. This is when she became a hero and an inspiration to anyone that crossed her path. Peggy made the decision, at that incredibly young age, to get busy living.

She never expected or asked for special consideration. She learned to drive and was always ready for a new experience and adventure. Peggy loved crafts and had a strong desire to create and try anything new. Many people were recipients of her multitude of talents. She was also a musician and loved jamming with her dad and the exceptionally talented Hanna clan. She sang for many years with a local chapter of the Sweet Adelines and in various church choirs. She loved, and looked forward to, spending many weekends with her sister in the Prescott area where they explored the trails and history of the town. She also loved cruising the Antique malls.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Eloise Hanna, her brother W.O. David R. Hanna (Vietnam KIA), and her son Timothy A. Downs (Tad). She is survived by her husband John D. Downs, daughter Kelley Dunston (Joshua), sister Robin Berry (John), granddaughter Arlette Downs, niece Nikki Hampton (Rob), her maternal aunt Loretta Richey and many beloved cousins.

Peggy truly lived her best life and inspired everyone she met. She lived by faith and now walks in the light. May she rest in peace and run with the angels.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Downs family.