Vivien Katherine Morton Downes, 76, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 7, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Vivien devoted her life to caring for others. A registered nurse, she worked in pediatrics at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh for 11 years, where she provided compassionate care to children and support to their families.

Vivien was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She shared 47 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Bill Downes. Together they raised three daughters and built a family that remained the center of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Downes; her daughters, Erin Martin (45), Ashley Jones (44), and Amanda Laster (39); and her seven cherished grandchildren: Emma Martin (13), Brett Laster (12), Zoey Jones (11), Liam Laster (9), Miles Laster (6), Nate Laster (4), and Casey Laster (4 months).

Vivien will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strong sense of right and wrong, and unwavering devotion to family. She had a lifelong love of animals and dedicated countless hours to helping homeless pets find loving homes through her volunteer efforts. Her compassion touched the lives of many people and animals alike.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Adoption League of York County, South Carolina, through MyNextPet.com.

The family finds comfort in knowing that the kindness and love Vivien shared throughout her life will continue through the family she nurtured, the children she cared for as a nurse, and the animals she helped rescue.

Vivien’s legacy of compassion, service, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.