Harriet Maxine Downey
November 17, 1921 ~ June 20, 2021
Harriet Maxine (McCarty) Downey, 99, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021. A memorial service will be held at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West on Saturday, August 7, at 2:00 pm. Memorial Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Event" below. Harriet was born in Feldsburg, Kansas, to Robert and Delsie McCarty. After graduating high school, she met and married the love of her life, Bill Downey, in 1942. Harriet and Bill loved to dance, play bridge and fly, and would travel whenever possible. In 1946, they welcomed their first son, Charles “Chuck”, into the world. Six years later they welcomed another son, Ross. Shortly after that, Bill was transferred to Ohio and their daughter, Susan, was born in 1956. Unfortunately, Harriet's marriage to Bill didn't last long enough; he lost his life in 1964. As a widow with 3 children, Harriet found a job at Merle Norman Cosmetics and would later open a franchise in the Park Lane Shopping Center. Harriet thrived in the cosmetic industry, and after selling her business in 1978, she went to work at Gessler Drug as a beauty advisor until her retirement at age 80. In 2004, Harriet moved to Woodlake Senior Residence where she was the treasurer in the council and helped to organize events for the residents. Harriet loved her family and friends and enjoyed cooking for them whenever possible. She drove and was very active until the age of 95. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and sons, Chuck and Ross. Survivors: daughter, Sue (Wes) Kottas of Olathe; grandchildren, Jason Downey, Jeremy (Jessica) Eaton, Alex Downey and Cathryne (James) Arnold, and great-grandchildren, Mason, Jaedon, Misha, Mariah, Tyra, Adrianna, Aaliyah and Haylee. Memorial established with Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 3450 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226.
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Harriet was also a welcomed and active family member on my side of the family (the son-in-law). Her spirit and wit were welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed by all. My family also quickly learned no one was save to sit beside her when playing Uno (card game). Harriet was always invited and attended my family gatherings whenever possible; we were blessed to have in our family for 30+ years. Harriet’s love of her family was never ending and continuous. She was there to support and help in anyway. Well… as long as it did not interfere with she favorite show “Dancing with the Stars” (ha, ha), which by the way … I loved hearing her stories of when she would go dancing and get all dressed up. I bet those were really great times. Rest easy and dance long Harriet. You raised an amazing family and have left a strong and positive influence for many.
We are thankful to be a part of your life and hope we can offer comfort and strength during your time of need. Our sincere condolence. Brian and Julie
I only had the privilege of knowing Harriet for 17 months but I made a friendship that will last a lifetime. I drove Harriet to all her appts, she love to introduce me as, “This is my driver Vicki” .. Kinda like driving Miss Daisy. We had a lot of fun times that I will cherish forever. You will be missed Harriet.