Kathryne Downey

Falmouth - Kathryne "Katie" Downey, 50, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Maine Medical Center. Katie's short but remarkable life began on March 4, 1970. She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to Jerome and Elizabeth (Beauregard) Brennan. Growing up, the Brennan family moved throughout the country over the years but settled in Massachusetts where Katie graduated from UMASS Amherst in 1992. While in college, she met Brian Downey, a Mass Maritime Academy cadet, through a mutual friend. Little did either know, but that would be the beginning of a 31 year relationship. Katie and Brian were married on October 7, 1995. Shortly thereafter, they began their family and raised their sons on the foundation of love and support. Brian was a career officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. This meant that the Downey family moved around quite a bit. However, wherever they went, Katie made sure their boys felt the love and support so crucial to a child's upbringing. Throughout the years, there wasn't a hockey game or concert that Katie missed. Simply put, Katie was a wonderful and committed mother who always had her children's best interest at heart. The Downeys settled in Falmouth, Maine nearly 15 years ago; the longest she ever lived in one place. Once her sons were old enough, Katie decided to resume her career. She excelled as a financial auditor and later as a tax administrator. She even passed the very difficult Certified Financial Planners exam following a challenging continuing education program at Boston University. Now that her boys were grown, she began to apply her knowledge and skills as a tax administrator at Baker Newman Noyes. She had a very pragmatic approach to her work which made her an indispensable member of the Baker Newman Noyes team. Katie enjoyed her work and prided herself at delivering a quality product. During the busy and stressful tax season, she often worked 12 hour days, seven days a week, when necessary. Above all else, Katie's family was at the center of everything she did. She maintained a very tight knit relationship with all of her family members, having a special and unique connection with each person. It'd be nothing for Katie to load up her family and drive 3 hours south to ensure she was at every family event. Being with family was the single most important thing in Katie's life - whether it would be traveling, sailing on the family boat, "Katie's Boys," or simply going for a walk or hike with siblings, family meant the world to her. Katie was a strong, independent, and a hysterically irreverent person who wasn't afraid of working hard. Simply put, Katie Downey was fiercely loyal, inspirational, and committed to those she loved. She is survived by her loving husband, Brian Downey of Falmouth; her sons who meant the world to her, John and Thomas Downey both of Falmouth; parents, Jerome "Jerry" and Elizabeth "Betsy" Brennan of Chicopee, MA; siblings, Ellen O'Shea and husband Pat of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Brennan and wife Amy of Salem, MA, and Bridget Camara and husband Kevin of Enfield, CT. Katie was a devoted Godmother to her niece, Chloe Camara and loving aunt to Lilly, Abigail and Evangeline Rose Kowalczyk. She is also survived by her caring sister in law, Stephanie Kowalczyk of Woodstock, VT. A private family Funeral Service will be livestreamed at 4PM on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at www.facebook.com/conroytullywalker. Visiting Hours celebrating Katie's remarkable life will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Relatives and friends are respectfully requested to wear a mask and practice social distancing. A private burial will be held at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Dana Farber Cancer Institute by visiting Dana-Farber.org.