Albuquerque, NM
1941 -2015
Cecelia St. Clair Downer, a resident of Los Ranchos, NM passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Sandra's House Hospice in Albuquerque, NM. She was born April 2, 1941, in Camden NJ, the daughter of Virginia (Poinsett) Downer and Ralph E. Downer. Her family later moved to Delaware where she graduated from New Castles William Penn High School class of 1959. She received the Betty Crocker Award for the most outstanding senior Home Economics student. She went on to pursue her teaching and art interests and received a BS degree in Home Economics Education from the University of Delaware in 1965 and a Masters Degree in Interior Design and Related Arts Crafts from the University of Tennessee in 1968. She studied at the Arrowmont School of Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN in the summers of 1969 and 1970 where she studied Metal with John Fix and Craft Design with Sister Mary Remy. She served as laboratory assistant to Enamelist Margaret Seeler in 1970. In 1971 her metal artwork was exhibited at the University of Tennessee.
Cecelia was a Home Economics teacher and professional seamstress who taught at Freehold Regional High School District in Farmingdale, NJ. in the 1960's, as well as the Alfred I. Dupont Special School District, Wilmington DE. She served as a Co-Operating Teacher for Rutgers State University. She was active at the local and county levels in the New Jersey Education Association (N.J.E.A.). At the state level she served on a seven member Radio-TV Committee. From September 1969 to June 1971 she was Assistant Head Resident in the Residence Hall System at the University of Tennessee, Student Affairs Division.
When Cecelia moved to San Francisco, CA she completed study in sailing and seamanship and served as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. She was the hotel manager for the Seal Rock Inn in San Francisco, CA. She later moved to Albuquerque, NM and was a member of the Belen Mesa Community and served on the Harmonious Earth Community Foundation Board of Directors. As well as being a Master Gardener with the UNM ( Benalillo) extension service, she also owned and operated a house-pet sitting business.
Cecelia's life was a marvelous adventure. Following her dreams lead her to travel to other countries and live in several places across the United States. As a strong, spiritual woman, she was an energy healer, a spiritual counselor, a Reiki master, a dowser (ASD) , a bio-feedback technician registered with the Quantum Alliacne Acadeles. She facilitated several women's groups offering intuitive spiritual direction. Earlier, she was a member of the Holy Order of MANS Seminary, Boston MA where she studied Philosophy, Theology and Christian Education.
She gave of herself and her time spending countless hours counseling juveniles in the inner city as well as volunteering for organizations such as the Missouri State penitentiary system, and the San Francisco General Hospital - Mission Emergency Trauma Center. She was a member of Toastmasters International and the Grandslam Duplicate Bridge Club, great books and Lifers Penal Reform and counseling committee.
Cecelia was cherished member of our community and she leaves behind many friends who admired her for her wisdom and leadership. A memorial page has been set up at www.nmlocal.org/cecelia