Sara "Sally" Love Downey

August 12, 1935 - April 25, 2026

Sara Love Downey, affectionately known as Sally, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at her daughter Sara’s home in San Juan Capistrano, California. Sally was surrounded by her children, several grandchildren, and dear family friends.

Born on August 12, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sally was the youngest daughter of George H. Love and Margaret McClintic Love. She was preceded in death by her brother, Howard M. “Pete” Love, and her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Love Stevens.

Sally was a loving and devoted mother to Laura Scharfenberg, Sara Fix, Olivia Slutzky (Alan), and John R. Burr (Amanda), and a wonderful grandmother to her eight grandchildren and six step grandchildren, who brought her endless joy, laughter, and inspiration.

For more than 30 years, Sally shared a beloved home at White River Valley Farm in Lyons, Wisconsin, with her husband, James L. Downey. The Farm became a cherished gathering place for their families and friends.

Sally attended Chatham Hall in Virginia and graduated from Vassar College in 1957. Her interest in counseling and compassion later led her back to school, and at age 51 she earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy.

She dedicated much of her life to promoting hospice care, serving as Chairman and as a longtime board member of Horizon Hospice, Chicago’s first hospice provider. Through her leadership and advocacy, she helped expand compassionate end-of-life care for countless families throughout the community.

Sally embraced life with enthusiasm, warmth, and generosity, believing that every day "couldn't have been better!" A lifelong horse lover, she shared stories of foxhunting with the Rolling Rock Hunt in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, aboard her treasured horse, Angel. At White River Valley Farm, she provided many retired and rescued horses a loving final home.

She found joy in gardening, cooking memorable meals, traveling near and far, singing her favorite songs, and trying new adventures—even paddle surfing in her early 80s. Sally greeted everyone with genuine warmth and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and at ease.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Venus Acosta for her years of loving care and to the many other compassionate caretakers whose kindness gave comfort to Sally’s final years.

A private funeral service will be held to honor Sally’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chicago Community Foundation in her memory.

Sally’s family will deeply miss her love, humor, wisdom, and generous spirit and cherish her many unique expressions, infectious enthusiasm, and boundless appreciation for life. Her memory will remain a lasting source of comfort and joy to all who knew her.