Obituary of Amber L. Downey

Winthrop- It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mrs. Amber L. (Johnson) Downey, 38, who unexpectedly passed away Saturday March 24, 2018 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington with her family at her side. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Amber was born in Watertown on July 1, 1979 to Albert Johnson and Sharon Foster. She graduated from St. Lawrence Central High School in 1999. She was currently working for Aramark Food Service at Clarkson University in Potsdam.

On July 31, 2016 in a beautifully unique pirate themed wedding, Amber married Alan Downey at Coles Creek in Waddington.

Amber was the example of unselfish. She was constantly giving and putting everyone’s needs before those of her own: friends, co-workers, family, and even strangers but especially to her children, Tyler, Corey and Ayden. Amber’s compassion for people and life was also shown through her selfless gift of donating one of her kidneys to her nephew Eric.

Amber was crafty and enjoyed making wreaths, selling POSH, had a passion for flowers and gardening especially with her husband Alan.

She embodied a feisty and determined spirit who loved hard and wore an unforgettable smile.

Amber is survived by her husband, Alan; her son Tyler Jock (18) and his grandparents Wayne and Karen Jock; her son Ayden LaBaff (11); mother Sharon (Lawrence) Mitchell, father who raised her as his own, Maurice Shorette; sister Donna Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Jamie and Eric LaBrake; brother and sister-in-law Leon and Crystal Shorette; brother Israel Quitcon; great-grandmother Nellie Foster; father and mother-in-law, Mark and Carolyn Downey; sisters in-law: Stacey LaValley and her son Jacob LaValley, sister-in-law Becca Newton, and her canine companions who she loved very much: Jovie, Buddy, Jasmine.

Always in her heart is the love for her son Corey Jock who passed away on April 10, 2009. She was also predeceased by her biological father Albert Johnson.

Visitation will be Saturday at the funeral home from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Ambers Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will commence upon conclusion of visitation at 2:00 pm with Certified Celebrant Julia O’Brien. Burial will take place at Winthrop Cemetery in the spring where she will be laid to rest beside her son Corey.

For those wishing to express an act of kindness, memorial contributions may be made to Amber’s family at www.givingcompassion.care

Memories and condolences may be shared with Amber’s family at www.hammillfh.com.