Janet Eileen (Eads) Downey, 78, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she lived in Thrall, Kansas in her early years, then relocated back to Kansas City at age 4 along with her older sister Merlene and their mother following their father’s passing from cancer. Janet graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1965, then enrolled at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1970. Janet worked as a clerk at Hallmark for several years before she settled in as a tax return reviewer and eventually manager for the Internal Revenue Service, where she remained until her retirement.

While studying Psychology at UMKC, Janet met Rick Vernon Downey, who would become her lifelong partner, friend, and sweetheart. Janet and Rick married shortly after graduation, in August 1970, and remained faithfully devoted to each other through more than 50 years of marriage. Less than 2 years later they welcomed their only son Brian to the world. Soon thereafter, in 1973, Rick was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a diagnosis that would change their lives forever. Janet was a steadfast supporter of Rick during the life-saving cancer treatments he received at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. While toxicity from his treatment challenged Rick later in life, Janet and Rick took full advantage of their time together. Janet remained a caring spouse and compassionate caregiver for Rick until his passing in 2021, and she missed him dearly after he passed.

In 1976 Janet and Rick bought their first house in Santa Fe Hills, where they remained until 1999 when they relocated “over the border” to Leawood, Kansas, where she resided until her death. Janet was known for her devotion to family, her kindness, and love of books and knitting.  Janet served as Cub Scout Den Mother for Brian’s Cub Scout Troop 30 and attended nearly every extracurricular activity of Brian’s throughout elementary and high school. Janet became a prolific knitter in her retirement, frequently knitting scarves to donate to those in need. Janet and Rick traveled widely, visiting many states and countries around the world. Of course, one of her favorite places to visit was the Boston area to spend time with their 5 grandchildren.

Janet was pre-deceased by her husband of over 50 years, Rick Vernon Downey. Janet is survived by her sister Merlene Eads; her son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Brian and Shauna Downey; her five grandchildren – Patrick, Brendan, Evan, Bridget, and Mary; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Sam Guenther; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Karen Downey; 4 nieces, 1 nephew, and many cousins. Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Harvesters Food Bank (www.harvesters.org) or Rockhurst High School (www.rockhursths.edu), both in Kansas City.