Theresa Ann Downey

LYNN – Theresa “Terry” Ann Downey, 82, of Lynn, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Theresa was the daughter of the late Charles T. and Alice (Marquis) Downey; the dear sister of Joseph Downey and his wife Susan of Lynn, and the late Charles Downey; the cherished aunt of Brenda Daigle and her husband Bryan of Peabody, Robert Downey and his wife Nicole of Billerica, Janelle Cosgriff of AZ, Joseph Downey of AZ, Jeffrey Downey of AZ, and John Downey of NE; and devoted great aunt of Jenna Daigle and Abby, Bobby, Sabrina and Jonathan Downey.

Born in Tewksbury and raised in Lynn, Terry was a graduate of Lynn English High School. Ever since she was a young girl, Terry had a passion for helping others and was determined to be involved with nursing. She went on to become a registered nurse and attended the Lynn Hospital and Boston University Schools of Nursing earning her Master’s degree at B.U. She worked as a nursing supervisor for several hospitals including the Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton for many years. Later in her career, Theresa’s hard work and determination went on to earn her a PhD in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island and publish a book on Ovarian Cancer. She worked as a professor at Endicott College in Beverly where she taught nursing for many years. Terry was a long time member of the Auxiliary of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 64, in Lynn where she served as its Commander. She also served as State Commander at one time. Terry was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church, where she served as a Lector and as a Eucharistic Minister, and formerly a Confirmation Class Leader and C.C.D. Teacher. In addition to her passion for nursing and education, Terry was an avid knitter and would donate knit hats to children through the “Caps for Kids” program at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Her love of knitting went so far that in one year, she knit and donated 365 hats.

Theresa’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 4th, at 11:00 AM at the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 3rd, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Theresa’s memory may be made to the Franciscan Children's Hospital, 30 Warren St, Brighton, MA 02135 or www.franciscanchildrens.org.