Katharine (Leggett) Downham

Katharine Downham (nee Leggett) passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at the age of 94 in Wilmington, Delaware.  She was the beloved wife of the late John Finney Downham. 

Katharine was the daughter of the late Dr. Lindley Leggett and Katharine (Pearsall) Leggett of Westfield, New Jersey.  Katharine grew up in Westfield with her older brothers Lin and Edgar, attended George School in Pennsylvania, and received a B.S. degree in education from the University of Delaware where she met her future husband.  Kate lived in Texas, Alaska, Massachusetts and Allentown, Pennsylvania before she and Jack settled in Graylyn Crest  Wilmington, Delaware, where they raised their two sons, John F. and Thomas W. Downham. 

Kate was very involved in her community and church, a member of the “Graylyn Crest Swim Club” Pool Girls, a supporter of the Wilmington Arts Community, and a devout parishioner of Aldersgate Methodist Church where she was a longtime member of the women’s circle.  Her contributions to their cookie walk bake sales were legendary. 

After her husband’s death in 2008, Kate moved into the Methodist Country House (now ACTS Community) where she had been a volunteer since 1973.   

Kate is survived by her sons John (Marguerite) Downham of New Jersey, and Tom (Donna) Downham of California.  Also survived by two grandsons, David (Stacey) Downham and Matthew (Kelsey) Downham, and five great-grandchildren Milo, Finn, Heather, Emma, and Violet who will miss their “Great Kate.”  

A memorial service will be held at the Country House in Greenville, Delaware at 11am on June 5, 2025.  Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Camden, Delaware.

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