May 23, 1933 – December 15, 2025
Mary A. (DiNitto) Downey, a longtime resident of Reading, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 92 years of age.
Mary was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1933, the daughter of the late Salvatore and Mary (Albano) DiNitto, and is a graduate of Chelsea High School.
Mary was the beloved wife of William J. Downey for 68 years. Devoted mother of Kathleen A. Santilli and her husband Richard of North Reading, and Kevin J. Downey and his wife Christine of Reading. She was the loving grandmother of Lauren and Kathryn Santilli, and Jennifer and Michelle Downey. She also leaves her granddog Tighe, whom she adored.
Mary and Bill started their family in Everett before moving to Reading. They lived on Cape Cod for a period of time after retirement before moving back to Reading, which they always called home.
Mary and Bill loved to travel, with their favorite destinations being Ireland and Italy because of their beauty and link to family.
Family was important to Mary. She was happiest when her family was gathered around the table. She enjoyed celebrating all family events, but her favorite gathering was Christmas Eve where great food and laughter were abundant. Mary was a great cook and she loved to share her cooking expertise and recipes with her friends and family, especially her granddaughters. She was known for her meatballs, which can never be duplicated, and was always ready with a delivery of homemade chicken soup whenever anyone was sick.
Mary had deep faith and selflessly put others first in her life whether it was taking care of her family, friends, or the long term care and devotion she provided to Bill, she would do it without hesitation or expectation.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19th, 2025, at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 9am-10am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital ,.www.stjude.org Shriner’s Children’s www.shrinerschildrens.org, or the Mission of Deeds www.missionofdeeds.org
For directions and online guest book visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com
