Ted and Sue Downey

Sue Anne (Cosner) Downey passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021 at Taylor House hospice. Theodore James Downey, her loving husband, followed her 12 days later, on Saturday, November 13, 2021 also at Taylor house hospice.

Sue was born the daughter of Emery and Velna (Hopkins) Cosner on March 19, 1940 in Des Moines, IA. She graduated from East High School, had a variety of jobs but her joy was taking care of her five children. Later on she found her love of working at UnityPoint as an administrative assistant to some amazing people and doctors.

Ted was born the son of Theodore and Evelyn (McGuire) Downey on November 6, 1933 in Chicago IL. He graduated from Hyde Park high school in Chicago, went to Notre Dame for a year and was recruited to the Brooklyn Dodgers. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force where he played baseball as well. He spent most of his working life as a manager and VP for insurance companies including Continental Western Life but kept up his lifelong love of baseball by playing Fastpitch softball, coaching his sons baseball teams and being an umpire until his knees retired.

Above all else, Ted and Sue loved family. They devoted their lives to them and loved spoiling their grandchildren who brought them so much love and joy.

Those left to cherish their memory include their loving children, Daniel (Brenda) Downey, Timothy Downey, Wendy (John) Guess, Michael Downey, Scott Downey, Kelli (John) Hildebrand, and Theodore “Skip” Downey, 15 amazing grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sue and Ted were preceded in death by their parents Emery and Velna Cosner and Theodore and Evelyn Downey, Sue’s 13 brothers and sisters and Ted’s four brothers and sisters.

We know there is a season for every purpose under heaven. For Ted and Sue they had a lifetime of wonderful seasons of life. They were devoted to each other and their family, living their best lives with each other, for each other, side by side. They enjoyed life and whatever it brought their way because their strength came from their unbreakable bond. And although it seems their lives ended in a blink of an eye their last days were a tribute to doing it their way, living for and with each other until their very last breaths. You are forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A memorial service will be held Monday, November 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

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