Shirley Downey Obituary

Shirley Downey (née Kibbe), 98, of Hampden, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on February 3, 2025. Born on December 24, 1926, in East Longmeadow, MA, Shirley was a devoted mother, homemaker, and caregiver, always placing the needs of her family above all else. Shirley's early years were spent on her family's farm in Hampden, where she developed a deep connection to nature and the rhythms of farm life. The farm was not only a place of hard work but also a home where family traditions and a strong sense of kinship flourished. She spent her childhood helping with dairy farming, tending to peach and apple orchards, and working in the Kibbe cider mill during the harvest season. These experiences gave Shirley a lifelong appreciation for the land, the changing seasons, and the bond between generations of family members who worked side by side. After graduating from Technical High School in Springfield in 1943, Shirley married her late husband, Raymond Downey, in a memorable double wedding ceremony shared with her sister Doris (née Kibbe) Manley on October 8,1949,. Together, Shirley and Raymond built a comfortable home in Hampden, a place filled with love and laughter where they raised their five children. It was here that Shirley's dedication to her family, her nurturing spirit, and her hard work created a warm and welcoming environment that would remain the heart of the family for many years. Shirley left her job as a telephone operator at New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. of Springfield to become a wholesale florist. She worked alongside Raymond on the family farm, where they also raised beef cattle. She took great pride in encouraging her children to participate in the 4-H agricultural youth program, fostering their involvement in 4-H club beef cattle showmanship competitions, and creating memories that would be cherished forever. Throughout her life, Shirley radiated a cheerful spirit, enthusiasm, and incredible resiliency. In her retirement, she found joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, piecing together puzzles, and enjoying peaceful afternoons beneath the shade of her favorite beech tree. Shirley's love for gardening was evident in the sprawling perennial flower gardens surrounding her home, which she tended to with care, creating an oasis of color throughout the seasons. Shirley is survived by her four sons, Raymond Downey and his wife Katherine of Monson, Richard Downey and his wife Rebecca of Belchertown, Jeffrey Downey and his partner Claudia Sarti of Hampden, and Kevin Downey and his wife Emily of Northbridge, MA. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Kevin Glancy of Fort Mill, SC; eight grandchildren: Wes, Derek, Lydia, Austin, Onna, Myles, Kerri, and Nicole; and eight great-grandchildren: Owen, Liam, Lorna, Collin, Raymond, Stavros, Kenly, and Caroline. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Downey; her daughter, Lynn Marie Glancy of Clover, SC; and her five brothers and three sisters. Shirley's legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. A graveside celebration of Shirley's life will be held at a later date at the Old Cemetery in Hampden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baystate Hospice, 30 Capital Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and hospice workers who provided such compassionate care in her final days.