Colorado Native Makes Bequest
Story by Rebecca Holmes
Sybil Downing ‘47 (1930-2011), a prolific and acclaimed writer of historical novels, biography, young adult and children’s books, left a generous bequest to Friends Seminary. A fourth-generation native of Colorado, Sybil attended Friends during her family’s brief stay in New York City from 1938 to 1945. She was the great-granddaughter of Thomas Patterson, who served as Colorado's first congressman and U.S. Senator. As the owner and publisher of the Rocky Mountain News, he also championed women's rights. Sybil’s books reflect her lifelong passion for politics and love of the West.
Although Sybil never returned, Friends remained dear to her. She fondly remembered Meeting for Worship and lighter moments, including calling Mrs. Winterbottom ‘Mrs. Summertop’; when her classmates started wearing lipstick, and swimming in a public pool.
Sybil was passionate about education and was elected twice to the Boulder Board of Education and the Colorado Board of Education, serving as chair of both. She also served as Chair of the Colorado Center for the Book and was a frequent speaker at libraries and museums. Yet she regarded her family as her greatest achievement and once said, "My husband and I have had a wonderful, fulfilling life together, sharing the joys of bringing up three daughters and a son, and watching six grandchildren grow up."
Sybil’s estate plan established a trust for the education of her grandchildren. Once that purpose was fulfilled, the trust was liquidated and a portion of the remainder given to Friends. For more information about including Friends in your estate plans, contact Rebecca Holmes.