Diane Smith Saunders

Diane Smith Saunders passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.  On that day, we lost a beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, family member, friend and colleague. 

Diane was born on December 10, 1956 to Dr. Francis L. Smith and Maureen Tapscott Smith in Washington D.C.  The first of five daughters, Diane secured her place as the eldest sister and the leader of the Smith girls.  From a young age, Diane was full of life and made friends easily.  She loved to have fun and in the early years this meant that she could be a bit mischievous.  She learned early how to take charge of any situation and her dutiful sisters went along with whatever instructions she dispensed.  Her love for her family was fierce and unconditional.  Her son, Joseph Downey III, was the love of her life.  She proudly served as the head of the family reunion committee (we called her the Poobah).  Everyone knew that if you needed anything, Diane was only a phone call away. 

Diane was generous and kind - always willing to lend a helping hand.   She regularly hosted friends and family for a delicious meal or grabbed the restaurant bill when no one was looking.  Cooking was her passion.  She was an amazing chef and loved to entertain.  Everywhere Diane lived – whether in Swampscott, Massachusetts; Phoenix, Arizona; Silver Spring, Maryland or Washington, D.C. - she embraced her community and neighbors and made lifelong friends.  She took part in community celebrations, often volunteering to run events like neighborhood block parties.  Each year Diane looked forward to the family vacation (usually at a beach resort with her sisters and their families) and the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival with her sister, her brother-in-law and several dear friends.  Diane lit up a room.  She had a big heart, a contagious smile and warm personality.

Diane attended Shepard Elementary School and Sidwell Friends School.  She graduated from Wilson High School in 1974.  From there she spent a few years at Howard University.  In the late 1970’s   Diane married her now former husband Joseph Downey Jr.  From that union, Diane’s beloved son Joseph Downey III was born.  

Diane had a long career in public service starting in Arizona, where she worked for Attorney General Janet Napolitano and subsequently Arizona Governor Napolitano.  In 2009, Diane joined Secretary Napolitano at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  She continued at DHS until her passing, most recently at the office of Intelligence and Analysis.  On the job, Diane was known for her dedication, commitment and integrity.  Her generous and giving spirit extended to her work life.  She often mentored others on her team.  She spoke with passion and love for her friends and colleagues at work.

Diane was predeceased by her father Dr. Francis L. Smith.  Left to cherish her memory are her mother Maureen Tapscott Smith; her son Joseph Downey III; her sisters Pamela Johnson (Bruce), Patricia Smith, Susan Holt (Harry) and Jennifer Boss (Mark); her nieces Brandon Johnson, Sage Johnson, Kimberly Johnson and Gabriella Boss; her nephew Jacob Boss; and many other loving relatives and friends. 

A Virtual Celebration of Life

A Virtual Memorial Service to honor Diane will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 1 o’clock p.m. (EST). You may join the Memorial Service through the link below.

Join Zoom Meeting: 

Click here for the Diane Saunders Memorial Service.

Meeting ID: 847 6993 0621
Passcode: 302321

The service will start promptly at 1 o’clock.  Please plan to join between 12:45 and 1 o’clock.  The Program for the Diane’s Memorial Service is available under the Service Information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s name to The Capital Area Food Bank (capitalareafoodbank.org) or Manna Food Center (mannafood.org).