ADRIAN, MICHIGAN—January 30, 2023—Sister Patricia Downey, formerly known as Sister Jean Edmund, died on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 84 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Patricia was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Edmund and Jeannette (Sunderland) Downey. She graduated from Aquinas Dominican High School in Chicago and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from University of Detroit (Detroit Mercy) in Detroit, Michigan; and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Sister spent over 27 years ministering in elementary and secondary education in Detroit and Eastpointe, Michigan; Cincinnati and Shaker Heights, Ohio; and Chicago, and Wilmette, Illinois. This includes her ministry of seven years as president of one of the Congregation’s secondary schools, Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette.

Additionally, she served the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, for two years as superintendent of Catholic schools and for 13 years as director of the Department of Educational Services and served for nine years in the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, first as a field consultant and later as assistant superintendent. She became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2010.

Sister Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Catherine Jennings. Sister is survived by a brother, Edmund Downey (Kathleen) of Wheaton, Illinois, other loving family, and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Covid vaccinated persons may attend the Vigil and Funeral in person. All are welcome to participate in Sister’s services via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream

Visitation will be held from 6:30-7:00 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2023, in the Gathering Space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday, February 2, 2023, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 am Friday, February 3, 2023. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister ministered in Ohio 7 years:

St. Antoninus, Cincinnati 1962-1964 Elementary Teacher
St. Dominic, Shaker Heights 1964-1969 Elementary Teacher