Geraldine Margaret Downs

Geraldine (Gerry) Downs, of Sonoma California, was a much-beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She passed away peacefully on the morning of October 19, 2016, after succumbing to pancreatic cancer.

Gerry Downs was born in Buffalo, New York to Kathlyn and Norris Downs. She was the fourth of five children; sister to William Downs, Jacqueline Skelley, Judith Downs, and Stephen Downs.

After graduating from Annunciation High School in Buffalo, Gerry joined the convent, as her sister Jackie had. Although life as a nun was not her path, her love of God and the church led her to take on a variety of roles throughout the her life. She served as youth minister, Director of Worship and Music, Director of RCIA, and Religious Education Supervisor. Gerry presented countless workshops, retreats and days of prayer and reflection in various aspects of Liturgy and Liturgical Ministries in many dioceses throughout Northern California. Gerry held a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, California, and she earned a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. She worked as a preacher for Isaiah Ministries and for Precious Blood parish missions. For over 20 years, she was a covenanted member of the Companions, lay associates affiliated with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Gerry was a published poet, author and lyricist and her most recent publication is Reflecting the Face of God: A Feminine Perspective on Preaching in the Catholic Church. (Windham Hall Press).

Gerry is survived by her loving sister, Judy Downs (Gerry Colby), and her devoted brother, Steve (Geri). Gerry was a warm, caring, supportive mother to her four children, Chuck Stephanski, Teresa Fox (Mark), Michael Stephanski, and Annie Stephanski Allen. She was adored by her eight grandchildren, Julian Stephanski, Meg Stephanski, Katie Fox, Halley Stowers (Nate), Kendra Stephanski, Sarah Stephanski, Caroline Allen, and Julia Allen. Gerry's many nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart.

Donations or memorials may be given to The American Cancer Society, Hospice of the East Bay, or your local hospice agency. The family of Gerry wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the Doctors and nurses from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Rosa and Vallejo, California, and to the caring professionals at Hospice by The Bay and Hospice of the East Bay.

Gerry's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Leo's Catholic Church, 601 W Agua Caliente Road, Sonoma, CA.