Albinita “Bea” or “BeBe” Downey left to fly with the angels on September 26, 2016, surrounded by her family.
Bea was born in the mining camp of Koehler, NM in 1938 to Emilio and Georgia Martinez who have both preceded her in death. She had ten siblings, Abran Martinez, Celestino Martinez, Catherine Gallegos, Victoria Gonzales (all passed), Mary Gomez, Alice Martinez, Gloria Halma, William Martinez and Irene Farmer, all of whom she loved dearly. She remained close to her siblings and their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout their lives.
She came to Albuquerque in the early fifties to attend the University of New Mexico. She married Don Downey in 1961 and the couple had two children, Janet Downey Rankin and Thomas Downey. She dearly loved her son-in-law, Alan Rankin, her daughter-in-law, Vanessa Hoffman, and her grandchildren, Natalie Rankin, Allie Rankin, and Darius Downey, all of whom survive her.
Bea’s nature was sweet and kind. She was a gentle soul who brought peace and comfort to the lives of all she touched. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends, and brought warmth and laughter to anyone near her. Although we will miss her dearly, we are glad she is at peace.
Rosary will be recited Wednesday, September 28, 2016, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH FUNERALS– Wyoming. Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated Thursday, September 29, 2016, 8:30 a.m., at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont St. NE.
In lieu of flowers, she requested a donation be made to a charity of your choice.
FRENCH Funerals
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
ABQ, NM
(505) 823-9400
May she RIP the Ruben Medina family from Koehler also.
My most sincere sympathy to her family. I grew up with Bea and Alice in Koehler. We were in the same grade all thru elementary and mid school. I haven’t seen Bea or Alice since they moved from Koehler but I still remember them and the Martinez family. We were all one big family in Koehler. May God’s Blessings be with the entire Martinez family.