Jean M. LeRoy Downey, 84, of Enfield passed away on Friday (May 4, 2007). Jean was born in Hartford, the daughter of the late George and Marie (Owens) Downey. A graduate of Bulkeley High School, her classmates wrote her message below her class picture as "lovely to look at, delightful to know". Jean kept a daily journal of her life for the past 30 years. Her love was reading and she authored an unpublished book when her children were younger. Jean was very proud of her Irish heritage and took back her maiden name of Downey in 1990. She loved all things Irish and traveled to Ireland with family several times. She was especially fond of Irish literature and films and had an extensive collection of Irish books on a wide range of subjects. Jean was one of the original members of the Irish National Caucus, a group that advocated and fought for civil rights for Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland. She authored many editorials that were published in Irish America Magazine and the Irish Voice newspaper. She also wrote Sen. Dodd and Sen. Kennedy and then President Clinton pleading the cause for peace in Northern Ireland and cherished their response letters. A highlight for Jean was meeting Gerry Adams the President of Sinn Fein. Jean was very charitable, contributing to a wide range of charities what she could and did this anonymously. She was an advocate for the 'underdog' and instilled compassion in her children. Jean was an open-minded individual and many sought her advice and trust. She had a devotion to St. Theresa and believed in St. Theresa's quote "Some people come into our lives and go quickly. Some stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are all never ever the same". She had a profound effect on everyone that came into her life. She loved Cape Cod and spending time at her daughter, Michele's summer home, where she and her children made many happy and funny memories. Jean was predeceased by her husband Michael M. LeRoy and is survived by their seven children, Dianne Plopper of Springfield, MA, Georgeanne Smith of Willmington, NC, Michele Barone and her husband, Joseph of Somers, Peg Hoffman and her husband, Edward of E. Longmeadow, MA, Jane Soule and her husband, Thomas of Somers, Sean LeRoy of E. Longmeadow, MA, Michael LeRoy of Enfield; 12 beloved grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Downey of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and longtime friend, Virginia Parone of W. Hartford. Jean's request was to celebrate her life and passing quietly and privately as she always preferred to do things in her quiet humble way. Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield is in charge of arrangements with private services and interment. Memorial donations in Jean's memory may be made to: St. Theresa Little Flower 1313 Frontage Rd. Darien, Illinois 60561-5340. For online condolences and guestbook visit: www. brownefuneralhome.com.