Kathleen (Tighe) Downie

Kathleen Downie, 75, of Easthampton, passed away at home with her family on April 9, 2022 after a strong battle with cancer.

Kathy was born on November 15, 1946 to Alice (Weafer) and Charles Tighe in Springfield, MA. After graduating from West Springfield High School, she worked as a special education teacher at Hampshire Regional High School until retirement.

She married Thomas Downie II in 1970, going on to have 2 children, Melanie Rubeck and Thomas Downie III. Thomas and Kathy were happily married for over 50 years.

Melanie and her husband, Thomas on to have 3 children, Lilly, Jordan, and Maggie. Thomas Downie III and his wife, Kristen went on to have 2 children, Kayley and Alyson.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Charles Tighe II. She is survived by her sister, Virginia LaMarche, her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Tighe, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Kathy loved the beach, kayaking, pickleball, puzzles, hot fudge sundaes, her children, and grandchildren. She could consistently be found at sporting events, band concerts, Mt. Tom Ice Cream, on bike rides, and spoiling her grandchildren. She also loved her vacations at Cape Cod and Aruba, and going on cruises. In addition, she spent 30+ years as a coach for the Hampshire Regional Eagles Special Olympics team.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Beacon Hospice, 815 Worcester St, Springfield. They provided excellent care for her at home. There will be a wake at Mitchell Funeral Home on April 24th from 3-6 pm and a funeral service at Our Lady of the Valley on April 25th at 10 am.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen (Tighe) Downie, please visit our floral store.