Sister Mary Jo Downey

Go now and leave your homeland for I will give you a home.
– Genesis 12: 1

Sister Mary Jo Downey, 91, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 70 years, died on November 23, 2024. She entered religious life on August 19, 1954, and took the name Sister Charles Therese when she received her habit. She later returned to her baptismal name.

Born with her twin sister, Tee, in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 18, 1932, Sister Mary Jo was the youngest of the five children of Godfrey C. and Margaret H. (née Leary) Downey. She attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and graduated from Hogan High School. She and her twin graduated from Saint Mary College in 1954, upon which she entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Sister Mary Jo earned a master’s degree in education from Saint Mary College in 1970.

Her love and concern for all people and her many gifts allowed her to serve in various ministries over the years.  She began at Bishop Ward High School, teaching physical education and biology. She later taught at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth and Butte Central High School in Montana. From 1972 to 1983, Sister Mary Jo ministered in parishes and adult education centers. Her varied gifts and ability to relate to people of all ages allowed her to develop many relationships throughout her lifetime.

From an early age, Sister Mary Jo had a heart for the poor, an interest in health care, and a desire to serve in Africa. In 1983, she returned to college to become a physician’s assistant. Her patients spoke highly of her bedside manner, saying Sister Mary Jo was skilled, kind and considerate, and listened to their concerns. She was an excellent PA, with the ability to assess symptoms, make a diagnosis, and provide for appropriate care.

After dedicating herself to caring for the patients at St. Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth, she served at Lalmba, an organization founded by her cousin, Hugh Downey. Arriving in Nairobi, Kenya, in the fall of 1989, she traveled nine hours to the shores of Lake Victoria to work as a clinical officer with the organization. While there, she lived in a grass-thatched hut. She stayed until 1991, returning in 1994 for four months.

Sister also ministered in health care clinics at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas. She retired to the SCL Mother House in 2023.

Sister Mary Jo was serious and dedicated, fun and fun-loving with a quick wit and dry sense of humor. She was a behind-the-scenes person, unless hosting her annual “GroundDog” Day, her interpretation and celebration of the traditional Goundhog Day. Many of Sister Mary Jo’s friends referred to her as a one-of-a-kind.

Preceding Sister Mary Jo in death were her parents and siblings Bob, Frank, Sister Rita Downey, OSB, and Tee Gardner. Survivors include a niece, many nephews, and the SCL Community.

There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.