Mary Luisa "Lou" Downey

North Hampton – Mary Luisa “Lou” Downey, 86, of North Hampton, passed peacefully at home on Friday, January 29th, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Lou was born in Marblehead, MA on April 29, 1934, the only child of the late Robert and Fanny (Chaulk) Burns. She was raised in Marblehead, MA and graduated from Marblehead High School with the Class of 1952 where she was a class leader, three-sport captain, and known for her love of adventure and sense of humor. Lou married her loving husband, John Henry “Hank” Downey, in 1956 and they settled in Marblehead, MA. A career change led them to relocate their growing family to North Hampton, NH where they raised their nine children. In the early years, Lou was an active communicant at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Hampton where she served on the Board of Directors of the Parish Council and Sacred Heart School Parent’s Organization. She later became a communicant at St. Theresa Parish in Rye Beach and a member of the Parish Council and Women’s Club. Forever civic-minded and principled, Lou firmly believed in always doing her best for others and generously gave her time. With fortitude, she wisely used her strong voice to selflessly advocate for the greater good, no matter how large or small the effort. Her devotion to her large family, friends, and community was unwavering and inspirational to her husband, children, and grandchildren. It was often said that if you were lucky enough to really know Lou, it was impossible not to love her. Always quick with a song and the first one to hit the dance floor, her fun-loving, competitive spirit and zest for life was contagious. A mother of nine, she proudly identified herself as a “Human Development Specialist”. Lou loved spending time with her family, enjoying outdoor adventures; skiing, hiking, and camping, long walks with friends, and watching her children and grandchildren’s games, plays and recitals. Her love for sports always kept her in the game. A coach to many and a fan of all, the time spent courtside or on the field is truly immeasurable. Lou was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and New England Patriots. During retirement, Lou and Hank were "happy campers", extensively traveling through the US and Canada in their motorhome, where Lou was thrilled to enthusiastically begin every trip with a rousing rendition of “On The Road Again”. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Downey. Surviving family members include her nine children: Deborah (Downey) Sillay and her husband John of North Hampton, Stephen Downey and his partner Ka’au Abraham of Maui, Hawaii, Richard Downey and his wife Lisa of Andover, MA, William Downey of Portsmouth, John Downey, Jr. and his wife Mona of Kennebunk, ME, Brenda (Downey) Worrell and her husband Kenneth of North Hampton, Paul Downey and his wife Karen of Newburyport, MA, Susan (Downey) Gray and her husband John of Rye, and Diane (Downey) Andrews and her husband Mark of North Hampton, She also leaves 14 beautiful grandchildren: Sarah, Lauren, Michael, Sam, Maddie, Killian, Jack, Nolan, Brooke, Caitlin, Ryan, Reese, Gavin and Teagan, and three great grandchildren: Maggie, Libby and Landon. Due to health risks associated with the pandemic, a private mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb 5th at St. Theresa Church. Friends and loved ones are respectfully invited to attend virtually and safely through the St. Theresa website by clicking here. The family looks forward to hosting an in person “Celebration of Life” with all loved ones to properly celebrate Lou’s incredible spirit and love for life when it is safer to do so. While the date is still to be determined, we can assure all that it will be full of music, love & laughter - in true Lou fashion! In lieu of traditional remembrances, please consider a donation to The Friends of North Hampton Bandstand (PO Box 3, North Hampton, NH 03862), which brought Lou and her family much joy through song and laughter through the years.

Mary Luisa "Lou" Downey

April 29, 1934 - January 29, 2021