1938
Karen
2014
Karen Downey
January 2, 1938 — October 9, 2014
Karen Louise Shand Downey, 76, passed away Oct. 9, 2014, at her home in Amarillo, Texas, after a lengthy illness.
She was born Jan. 2, 1938, to Maxine Staley Shand and Clyde Shand in Waukegan, Illinois. The family moved to Amarillo in 1951. Karen graduated from Amarillo High School in 1955. She married James “Jimmy” Arthur Downey Feb. 15, 1957, in Amarillo. In 1962, their son, Terry “Tad” Arthur Downey was born. Jimmy Downey passed away in 2011.
Karen retired in 2012 from M & L Transfer & Storage / Allied Van Lines where she was operations manager for many years. In this role, she met many people who became close acquaintances.
Karen was a tough cookie with a generous heart. In the end of her life, she also had the companionship of her dog George. She loved exotic animals and had parrots, iguanas and other unusual pets at various times in her life. She loved collecting pottery, making ceramics, and painting still life images. She long ago taught arts and crafts at the Hobby Shop. She knew a lot about Amarillo’s history and its citizens. Her favorite quote was “We live by our choices.” She loved to read Baxter Black and above her desk, she had hung one of his columns, titled, “Just Keep on Ridin’.” We all will miss her.
Survivors include one son, Terry “Tad” Arthur Downey, granddaughter Tambra Downey, grandson Ryan Downey, two grandchildren Autumn Wilson and Jeremiah Wilson, her mother Maxine Shand, and sisters Linda Shand Hopper and Elizabeth (Beth) Shand Turner. Known as “KK” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Karen also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will have a private service at a later date.
She was born Jan. 2, 1938, to Maxine Staley Shand and Clyde Shand in Waukegan, Illinois. The family moved to Amarillo in 1951. Karen graduated from Amarillo High School in 1955. She married James “Jimmy” Arthur Downey Feb. 15, 1957, in Amarillo. In 1962, their son, Terry “Tad” Arthur Downey was born. Jimmy Downey passed away in 2011.
Karen retired in 2012 from M & L Transfer & Storage / Allied Van Lines where she was operations manager for many years. In this role, she met many people who became close acquaintances.
Karen was a tough cookie with a generous heart. In the end of her life, she also had the companionship of her dog George. She loved exotic animals and had parrots, iguanas and other unusual pets at various times in her life. She loved collecting pottery, making ceramics, and painting still life images. She long ago taught arts and crafts at the Hobby Shop. She knew a lot about Amarillo’s history and its citizens. Her favorite quote was “We live by our choices.” She loved to read Baxter Black and above her desk, she had hung one of his columns, titled, “Just Keep on Ridin’.” We all will miss her.
Survivors include one son, Terry “Tad” Arthur Downey, granddaughter Tambra Downey, grandson Ryan Downey, two grandchildren Autumn Wilson and Jeremiah Wilson, her mother Maxine Shand, and sisters Linda Shand Hopper and Elizabeth (Beth) Shand Turner. Known as “KK” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Karen also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will have a private service at a later date.
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