Sally was born on May 20, 1955 in Richland, Washington to Donald and Edith Downey. She received her medical degree from UTMB Galveston in 1981 and practiced as a neonatologist for 40 years in Houston, TX. She is known for being a pioneer in taking intensive care for critically ill babies from the medical center out to community hospitals early in her career. While Sally spent her life caring for newborn babies, she also spent her life caring for the doctors and nurses that surrounded her every day.
Sally loved watching the Astros and the Texans games with her sons, Marcus and Jason. Quite often, plans made on the weekend had to be carefully scheduled around game time so that she wouldn’t miss a game! Another love of Sally’s was Mexican food. Her happiest times were spent with a house full of family, celebrating a birthday or a holiday eating cheese enchiladas and chips and queso, playing Skipbo. She also loved to see the world and had many adventures with her family.
Sally had an enormous support system including seven sisters, Ginny York, Peggy Downey, Nancy Ramsey, Betsy Franks, Mary Downey, Susie Pacheco and a niece who was so close in age she was considered an honorary sister, Janet Rankin. Sally had three brothers, Jimmy Downey, Dickie Downey and Donnie Downey. She also had four children, Jason, Shaterra, Marcus and Christine and one grandson, Benjamin.
Rosary Live Stream:
https://youtu.be/Rt3MaLz6eQY
Funeral Live Stream:
https://youtu.be/1MO0gI_k8Wc
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to March of Dimes to honor Sally’s life work.
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/in-honor-of-dr-sally-downey
