Joyce Ann Downey

Joyce Downey (Westcott) , 77, of South Kingstown, loving wife, mother and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully at home January 9th, 2025, surrounded by her family. Joyce was born at South County Hospital on April 17, 1947. She was the eldest of four siblings raised by the late Chester Westcott and Zella Wright. She dedicated much of her life to caring for her three children with her beloved husband James, pouring her heart into creating a warm and loving home.

Joyce graduated from South Kingstown High in 1965 and from the University of Rhode Island in 1975 with a master’s degree in library science. Joyce retired as a librarian from the University of Rhode Island after 20 years of service. She took tremendous pride in her work and was particularly suited for her position at the URI Bay Campus given her love and respect for the sea.

Family was always Joyce’s top priority. While enjoying her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy came in spending time with her loved ones. She delighted in family gatherings, holiday traditions, and being a constant source of love and support to her husband, children and grandchildren.

Joyce was an avid reader. When she was not absorbed in reading the latest book, she could be found watching the sunset on the beach or walking by the water.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Dr. James J. Downey III as well as her children, daughter Melissa and husband Damon, son Matthew and wife Julie, and daughter Colleen. She was the grandmother to James Zylewicz, Max Downey, Evelyn Downey, Rosalie Downey, Ryan Phelps and Oisin Driscoll. Joyce is also survived by her sister, Wendy Woodmansee and her sister-in-law Julia Westcott. She was preceded in death by her brothers Gary, Lon, and Scott Westcott.

Joyce’s legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever. A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18th at 10AM in St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, RI.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hope Hospice in her memory.