Sandra “Sandy” Kay Downey (1942-2023) left us peacefully on the night of September 21, 2023. She joins her husband of 54 years in heaven and leaves this world with a smile, as her impact was felt in the classroom between Michigan and Arizona.
Sandy was born on March 30, 1942, to Robert and Gurneth Hall of Yale, Michigan. The ‘Gal from Yale’, Sandy grew up in Port Huron, Michigan and graduated from Eastern Michigan University.
To be closer to family, she relocated to Chandler, Arizona, but always considered Lake Orion her home.
Sandy was a teacher her entire life. She began her teaching career in Romeo, Michigan and upon a blind date arranged by her future husband’s aunt, she met James L Downey of Lake Orion. For the next 38 years, Sandy taught in the Lake Orion Community School District. She began at the original Blanche Sims Elementary school and loved teaching the elementary and middle school age children. Her husband would often joke that, “they will have to tear the school down to get her out of there.” It is very fitting that the new Blanche Sims elementary school was opened in the same year that she said good-bye.
Sandy never retired from the classroom, she taught Sunday School at St. Mary’s in the Hills Episcopal Church and upon relocation to Arizona, became a teacher’s aide in her grandkids elementary school.
She had other titles such as Wife, Sister, Mom, and Grandmother, but she was always an elementary school teacher at heart. Her face would light up when anyone would approach her and say, “Hi Mrs. Downey, I don’t know if you remember me…?” Before the former student could get out the question, she would say it’s great to see you and then ask about their parents, siblings, and then offer a word of encouragement. The ice cream would often melt before she could get out of the grocery store, restaurant, or anywhere else in Lake Orion when she met a former student.
Sandy was a card player, a cross stitcher, a music lover, a terrific two-person scramble golfer, but absolutely loved the classroom.
Her spirit for life and giving to others is carried on by her sister, son, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and an extended family of schoolteachers and friends from every walk of life.
Sandy loved the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. During her holidays Sandy volunteered at many non-profit organizations. One of her favorites places was the Oxford/Orion Fish food bank.
For those that want to contribute to her memory; the family would appreciate a donation to ‘Oxford/Orion Fish’ and mailed to PO Box 732, Lake Orion, MI 48361.