Rosemary (Downs) McGinnis

Rosemary (Downs) McGinnis, age 63, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from breast cancer during which she participated in many clinical research trials to help pay it forward in the hope that future generations would not have to endure the effects of this disease. She was born October 30, 1957, in Zanesville, to the late John T. Downs and surviving Shellie (Toth) Downs. Rosemary was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and graduated from Bishop Rosecrans High School Class of 1975. She then attended Ohio University and obtained a B.S./Master’s in Education, being initiated as a member of Omega Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an Honor Society in Education. She retired in 2016 after teaching 7th grade Language Arts for 33 years with Zanesville City Schools. She began her career in 1980 teaching 2nd graders for 4 years at St. Nicholas Elementary. Rosemary enjoyed playing tennis, coaching her two daughters’ high school gold team, skiing, beekeeping, and gardening with her family. She was named a Jennings Scholar (1984-85), an active participant in Zanesville Education Association, NEA, OEA, Muskingum County Farm Bureau member, and friends of the Muskingum County Library System.

She leaves to treasure her memory, her husband, George McGinnis whom she married June 28, 1986 and their daughters, Marie and Rebecca; her three devoted sisters, Cathy (Doug) McDaniel, Phillis (Bill) Riser, and Patricia (Keith) Shrider of Zanesville;  four dear brothers, John Jeffrey Downs of Marysville, Thomas (Kim) Downs of Nashport, and Patrick and James Downs of Zanesville; two goddaughters, Robin Lim of Marysville and Alexis Riser Gray of North Carolina; many nieces, nephews, and animals on her (family) farm.

To carry out her wishes, there will be a private Celebration of Life in her memory at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

If you would like, donations can be made to The Spielman Breast Center, James Development, Attn: Angee Vezdos, P.O. Box 183112, 660 Ackerman Road, Columbus Ohio 43218-3112.

Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, OHIO.

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