Obituary of Shirley Downey

Downey: Shirley (née Vanroboys) -

A resident of Chatham and formerly of Harwich Township, Shirley Margaret Downey passed peacefully into eternal life at the Chatham-Kent Alliance on March 11, 2025. Born in Saskatchewan in 1935, daughter of the late Rene and Margaret (Allemeersch) Vanroboys.

Beloved wife of the late Roy Martin Downey (2021). Loving mother of Mitchell and his wife Karen and loving Grandma D to Madison and Meghan Downey. 

Predeceased by her siblings, Julianna (Marcel) Casier, Harry (Mary) Vanroboys, Oscar (Marie Louise) Vanroboys, and Norman (Helen) Vanroboys. Survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.  

Shirley was raised in a hardworking family, full of perseverance and strong work ethics. Something she demonstrated when she started working at the TD Bank in Chatham as a teenager. Many will also know her from the Harwich farming community, Downey Trucking and Kent County Accounting and Tax Service.

Family to receive friends on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. A Funeral Service in memory of Shirley and Roy to follow at 1:00pm on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the Funeral Home. Cremation to follow and a private family interment will take place at a later date.

Family and friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider PAWS or the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040