Sylva Marie Downing

Sylva Marie Downing, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and devoted member of her community, passed away peacefully, at the age of 89, in her Sumner home, overlooking her beautiful garden, surrounded by her children, with her beloved dog, Lacey, by her side.

Sylva was a strong-willed, independent, and elegant woman. She took great pride in always looking her best and in making sure her home and garden reflected her impeccable eye for beauty and detail. Gardening was one of her greatest passions. She transformed her outdoor spaces into something truly special, thoughtfully placing every plant and piece of garden art she discovered. She had a remarkable eye for knowing exactly where each treasured find belonged, and she created a garden oasis that was uniquely hers. She loved shopping for her home, garden walks, estate sales, and finding just the right place for each special piece.

Her love of people extended far beyond her family. She worked at Boeing for nearly 20 years, where she served as a secretary to a group of engineers who came to think of her as much more than a colleague. She became a mother figure to many of them, offering encouragement, friendship, and a caring presence that stayed with them long after their working days.

Her commitment to her community was strong and impactful. She served for many years as President of the Sumner School Board, giving her time, energy, and heart to a cause she deeply believed in: the children and the community she loved. When she joined the Board in 1972, she became the first woman to serve since 1927, a milestone formally recognized by district leadership.

At the heart of Sylva’s life, however, was her faith and her church. She cherished her church family and especially loved singing in the choir. Music, faith, and fellowship gave her another circle of friendships that became an important part of her life. Like so many of her relationships, these friendships were not casual, they were bonds she treasured and carried with her through the years.

Among the greatest treasures of Sylva’s life were her dear friends. Many of these friendships began in childhood, some dating back to elementary school, and remarkably, they remained strong and close throughout the decades. They gathered for SHS class reunions, including her recent 70th, and often met for luncheons in one another’s homes, celebrated life’s milestones, reminisced about the past, and most importantly, simply enjoyed being together.

But Sylva’s circle of friendship extended far beyond her childhood roots. During her many years living in Sumner, she formed deep and lasting connections with neighbors and community members who became an important part of her life. And in her later years at High Cedars Golf Community, she found yet another cherished group of friends who were kind, welcoming neighbors who quickly became family and remained close to her always.

There is something extraordinary about having friends who walk with you through every chapter of life and stand beside you through time. Sylva was blessed with that rare gift. Her friends, along with her family, were her lifeline, and she cherished each of those relationships dearly.

And then there were sports! Sylva was a proud SHS Spartan (Class of 55), WSU Cougar, and a huge Mariners and Seahawks fan. She loved going to Mariners games, enjoying the excitement of being at the ballpark. But her loyalty extended beyond professional sports as well. She was one of the biggest supporters of her grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines. She proudly attended their games, matches, races, and events, celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them every step of the way. Her grandchildren knew they could count on her to be there, supporting them proudly.

Her greatest pride and joy, however, was her family. Sylva leaves behind her three children, Lisa Downing; Mike Downing and his wife Joy; and Tim Downing and his wife Linda. She was also a loving grandma to her eight grandchildren, Eric and his wife Teresa; Matt and his wife Gloria; Sean; Curtis; Dani and her husband Joey; Lindsey and her husband Bret; Sydney, and Dylan. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Aidin, Pyper, Micah, Shae, and Elizabeth. She is also survived by her goddaughter, Cyndie Chaplik McCammant. She cherished each of them dearly and had so much joy in watching her family grow through the generations. Her love, support, and countless memories will live on in each of them.

Some of the family’s most cherished memories were made around the table in her beautiful home. She loved preparing wonderful dinners and bringing everyone together for the holidays and special occasions, often making her famous spaghetti for family gatherings. And, Christmas Eve always ended with a good game of “Aggravation” filled with fun, lots of laughter, and some cheating.

Sylva lived a life rich in relationships, memories, friendships, faith, family, and the things she loved. She created beauty wherever she went, cared deeply for the people in her life, and remained true to herself; strong, independent, elegant, spirited, and deeply devoted to those she loved.

Her garden will continue to bloom, her favorite teams will continue to play, her friends will continue to gather and share stories, and her family will carry forward the many lessons, traditions, and memories she gave them. Though she will be deeply missed, her presence will remain in all the lives she touched and in every generation that follows.

Sylva was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Downing: her sister, Nancy; her parents, Fred and Alice Wait; and her father- and mother-in-law, George and Alma Downing.

There will be a celebration of Sylva’s life on November 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Sumner at the Faith Covenant Church, formerly Sumner Presbyterian, where she was a member for 72 years. A reception will follow the service.