Mary Annabella (Anne) Downs (née Leggatt)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Annabella (Anne) Downs (née Leggatt) on July 6, 2026, at Mount Hope Long Term Care, London. She was 86 years old.

Born on May 19, 1940, in Toronto, Ontario, Anne was the daughter of William Leggatt and Eileen Leggatt (née Lehman), and sister of Ker Leggatt and the late Peter Leggatt.

Anne trained to become a registered nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, then furthered her studies at McGill University in Montreal. After nursing in the ICU at Sick Kids, Anne set off for Australia in 1968, drawn both by a nursing position at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and by a desire to trace her distant family lineage. Along the way she had many travel adventures, and it was in Melbourne that she met the man who would become her husband, Philip Downs. When Philip returned to Canada, Anne followed him; the two married and settled in London, Ontario, where they built their life together.

Anne never lost her love of travel, and she and Philip made frequent trips to visit his family in England, along with many trips across Europe. Closer to home, she found great joy in attending classical music concerts, tending her garden, and spending time with family and friends — most of all, her five cherished grandchildren.

Anne was the beloved wife of the late Philip George Downs. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Margaret (Meg) Corscadden (née Downs) and son-in-law Scott Corscadden, her stepdaughter Dorothy Katherine Downs, and her stepson Robin Philip Downs, as well as her five grandchildren, Matthew, Sam, Nathan, Charlotte, and Philip.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the care staff at St. Mary’s Long Term Care, who looked after Anne with such dedication over the last seven years. Special thanks go to Rahima for her steadfast companionship, and to Heidi for her compassion and advocacy on Anne’s behalf.

A private family service will be held at a later date.