Joan Downey

Joan M. Downey, 61, of Stonegate Drive, Rensselaer, NY; passed away Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2014 at home, with her loving family by her side.

Born in Amsterdam, NY; on January 11, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Matthew and Dolores (Niski) Szala.

Joan received her education in the Amsterdam school system and graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She also attended Albany Medical Center School of Nursing.

Joan was employed for over 30 years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam as a Help Desk Coordinator. She finished her career with the Montgomery County Department of the Treasurer until the onset of her illness.

Joan loved spending time with her grandchildren above all else. She enjoyed vacationing on St Augustine, FL and Wildwood, NJ beaches, Saratoga Racing Season, and the sounds of slot machines in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, NJ. She was a dedicated wife; mother and grandmother who found great joy in watching her family grow and participate in their own interests and endeavors.

Joan is survived by her husband and best friend Michael Downey whom she married on May 5, 1973, her children Kristen Mantello (Sylvio) of Rensselaer, Brian Downey (Stacey) of Roselle Park, New Jersey, her cherished grandchildren Alana, Colleen and Darrien, her brothers Larry Szala (Debbie) and Tim Szala, her mother-in-law Jean Downey, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends also survive.


Joan was also predeceased by her father in law, Richard Downey and her sister-in law Paula Szala.
The Family would like to thank Dr. Nini Wu, Dr. Edward Lee, Dr. Ramsey Kuo and the many kind Health Professionals at NYOH (Patroon Creek), for their love, compassion and tireless efforts in caring for Joan.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Cremation will follow at Parkview Crematory, Schenectady, NY.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary.

Memorial gifts in Joan’s name may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance via their website www.ccalliance.org