Cheryl Downs

Cheryl Ann Riley Downs September 27, 1944 – September 22, 2025 Cheryl Downs, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully at Angela Hospice, just miles from her birthplace and longtime home of Northville, Michigan, only days before her 81st birthday. Cheryl grew up on Northlawn Street in Detroit and attended St. Brigid’s Grade School and Our Lady of Mercy High School. She came of age in the 1950s and loved learning the latest dance crazes, watching American Bandstand, and practicing her moves with her cousin, Sharon, in the basement of their proud Irish Catholic westside flat. Cheryl lived upstairs with her mother, Esther, while her Aunt Marge lived downstairs with her daughter, Sharon, along with Uncle Earl and Grandma (Boo-boo) Kavanaugh — a lively household full of music, laughter, and kinship. She loved sock hops, hanging out with her girlfriends Diane (Rioux), Mary Ann (O’Hara), and Elaine (Kozlowski), who remained her friends throughout her life. Cheryl was known for being dressed to the nines, thanks to Esther’s role as a top saleswoman at Sears, with access to the latest fashions. In 1966, Cheryl married her high school sweetheart, Daniel John Kozlowski III, and together they welcomed two children, Daniel and Kimberly. Later, she married William Tiffin Downs, Jr., and embraced his three children, Billy, Kevin, and Allison, as her own. The blended family often referred to themselves as “The Brady Bunch,” a reflection of the humor and love that defined their bond. Cheryl and William then welcomed their son, Brian Downs, completing the family. Cheryl also fulfilled a sacred promise she had made to her mother, Esther — honoring her request that she never be placed in a nursing home. Cheryl moved her mother into the home she shared with Bill and the children, where she cared for her with devotion until Esther passed away in her daughter’s arms at the age of 93. A devout Catholic, Cheryl taught her children the lessons of faith through practical, real-world examples that gave them strength, perspective, and hope. Her example helped them face life’s challenges and now provides comfort in celebrating her passing to a better place. Fiercely loyal in a mama-bear kind of way, Cheryl protected and cherished her family above all else. She took immense pride in creating a welcoming, beautifully kept home, filled with flowers, warmth, and energy. Her home became the family’s round table, meeting place, and social hub — always full of conversation, food, and drink at the drop of a hat. She was especially known for hosting unforgettable holiday festivities, from all-day Thanksgiving feasts to surf & turf Christmas dinners and joyful Easter celebrations, complete with abundant food, always including her signature homemade Caesar salads, and elegant table settings that reflected both her creativity and her care. Around Cheryl’s table, family and friends eagerly gathered to laugh, talk, pray, sing, and celebrate. When she wasn’t entertaining others, Cheryl loved being with Bill — and he with her. Together they enjoyed traveling, from summer vacations at Mullet Lake in northern Michigan to resorts in Las Vegas and Hawaii. They loved spending time with friends at Dunleavy’s Pub & Grub, exploring new restaurants, following politics, and cheering on their local Detroit sports teams. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, and nothing made her prouder than watching her family grow. Known for her quick wit, fun-loving nature, and spunky spirit, Cheryl was loving, beautiful inside and out, and left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 50 years, William Tiffin Downs, Jr.; her children: Billy (Amy) Downs, Kevin (Brenda) Downs, Kim (James) McNulty, Daniel (Ashley) Kozlowski, Allison (David) Shay, and Brian Downs; and her six treasured grandchildren: Lyric Kozlowski, Dylan McNulty, Riley McNulty, Brendan Downs, Abigail Downs, and Amanda (Lucas) Yeager. She was preceded in death by her mother, Esther Riley. Cheryl’s legacy is one of faith, family, love, and celebration. Memorial visitation will be held at the O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave, Novi, 48375 on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm, followed by shared memories. Memorial visitation will continue at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon St, Birmingham, 48009 on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 9:30 am, and will continue until the Funeral Mass begins at 10:00 am. Cheryl’s final resting place will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Cheryl Downs

September 27, 1944 - September 22, 2025