Agnes Mary Downes
August 30, 1930 – April 4, 2024
Agnes Mary Downes, a longtime resident of Hyde Park, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024, at Northern Dutchess Hospital with family at her side. She was 93.
Born August 30, 1930, in Rochester, NY, she was the daughter of Truman D. and Alice (Reddy) Bartlett. When asked her name on her first day of kindergarten, she emphatically replied, “Mary” and was known as such from then on. The Bartlett family moved to Hyde Park in the mid-’40s. Mary, a dark-haired, brown-eyed beauty, had many suitors as a student at Roosevelt High School (class of 1948), but it was a lanky local boy, David M. Downes, who captured her attention and her heart. She was married on June 27, 1953, in Regina Coeli Church in Hyde Park carrying a bouquet of white roses.
Very soon thereafter, her family grew (and grew). Mary lived her life for her family. She was a dedicated stay-at-home mom before there was an option for mothers to work outside the home. Mary considered her seven children, Peggy, Julie, Susan, Jane Ann, David, Sarah and Amy, her greatest accomplishment.
Though home life was hard for her, Mary always approached the burdens of a large family with enthusiasm. She would create an exciting meal out of ground beef and macaroni just by renaming it Hungarian Goulash; she would find a myriad of ways to bake with apples including apple crisp, apple küchen, apple betty, and apple pie; and she would enthusiastically rally the kids with a cheery, “We’re going to work all day today!” on any typical Saturday. Mary was selfless in her love, and it goes without saying that she always put someone else’s needs before her own.
From Mary, her children learned a love of crafting and continue the tradition of exchanging handmade gifts every Christmas. Her sewing machine was the home’s background soundtrack and she enjoyed quilting, crocheting and cross-stitch. Mary was a 4H leader, teaching her daughters and others sewing and cooking. She was also a gym teacher with her best friend Jane Eckelman at Regina Coeli, the Catholic school her children attended. Despite not having any teaching background, Mary and Jane did have lots of experience with children and they were beloved for their Ethel and Lucy spirit.
Mary was an active volunteer in her community. She was a member and event chair of the Hyde Park Library Quilting Club and Skyllkill Embroidery Club member. She was an early member of the F.W. Vanderbilt Garden Association with over 1000 hours served. She was a longstanding volunteer for Meals on Wheels. In 2009, she was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award by President Barack Obama.
Alone at home once her family had grown, Mary became a strong, confident, independent woman of these new times who finally learned to put herself first. She will be remembered by all for her sharp wit, keen sense of humor, kindness, and perseverance through personal and mental health challenges.
Mary is survived by her children: Maggie (Paul) Underwood of Westboro, Mass; Julie (Dave) Witko of Chandler, AZ; Susan Cochrane of Los Angeles, CA; Jane (Tom) Struzzieri of Saugerties, NY; David T. Downes of Highland, NY; Sarah (Steven) Miller of Rhinebeck, NY; and Amy Downes (Jon) Drickel of Staatsburg; thirteen grandchildren: Adam and Quinn Underwood; Ryan Witko and Holly Ferguson; Joey Cochrane; Pia, Tommy, and Sammy Struzzieri; Taylor Papka and Kelly Downes; Agnes Tess Miller; and Kate and Erin Drickel; seven great-grandchildren: Ava and Logan Underwood; Oliver Witko; Quinn Cochrane; and Mary, Mitchell and Keira Ferguson. Mary also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews on both the Bartlett and Downes sides.
Mary is predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Richard and Joyce Bartlett and brothers Kenneth Bartlett and Dick Bartlett. Her best buddy, Jane Eckelman, died in 2015.
The family wishes to thank the extraordinary caregivers who made it possible for Mary to live comfortably in her home until the end, particularly Jen Grant, Anne Trombetti, and Audrey Carson.
Calling hours will be 3 to 8 PM, Friday, April 12th at Sweet’s Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Morris at 10 AM, Saturday, April 13th at Regina Coeli Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.
In keeping with her wishes, her ashes will be interred at a later date in Union Cemetery of Hyde Park.
In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family respectfully asks that memorial donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Greater Hyde Park, 1 Church St., Hyde Park NY 12538 (www.mealsonwheelsofhp.org).
To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Mary’s obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.
