Dame Teresa Downes (née Mc Dowell), who died on 5th August 2023 was admitted into the Order in 1991. She was an active member and supporter of the Christian community in the Holy Land, together with her late husband Donal, GCHS.
A native of Killala, Co Mayo she was a nurse by profession and mother to Donal Jnr, Orla, Karina, Brian and Adrian.
Teresa was a founding member of Muintir Mhaigh-Eo Gaillimh in 1972 and during her time contributed generously and served as Chairperson and President of the Association. Dame Teresa participated in Lieutenancy Pilgrimages to the Holy Land on a number of occasions, commencing her first visit in October 1993.
She and Donal were participants also in Order Pilgrimage to meet Pope St. John Paul II in Rome in March 2000, when they both received the Millennium Pilgrim Shell award. Teresa and Donal were inspirational in encouraging many new members to join our Order, including her nephew Chevalier Barry and his wife Dame Lidia Mc Loughlin.
Outside of the Order, Teresa was active in her local parish and participant in the works of CURA, CMAC and Accord, for which she will be remembered and rewarded for her awareness and sensitivity to those who sought help.