Sylvianne Fanny Downing

Obituary for Sylvianne Fanny Downing Sylvianne Fanny (Jallerat) Downing, 87, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2021, after a valiant battle against breast cancer. Sylvianne was born in Paris, France, on June 17, 1933, to Emile and Francine Jallerat. Following her dreams, she left Paris in 1956 and immigrated alone to the United States at the age of 23. While teaching French and pursuing graduate studies at the University of Utah, she met her husband, Bruce Downing, a fellow graduate student. Their marriage lasted more than 60 years, during which they lived in Istanbul, Turkey; Austin, Texas; and Southern California before settling in Minneapolis in 1974. Preceded in death by her parents, brother Gaston Jallerat, son-in-law Robert Cain, grandson Theodore Cain, and grand-niece Olivia Jallerat; Sylvianne is survived by her husband, three daughters, Francine (Roger) Anderson, Theresa Cain, and Valerie (Jeff) Arnold, and six grandchildren, Julian (Tanner) Anderson, Michael (Abigail) Cain, Jason (Morgan) Cain, Zola Vianne Cain, Andrew Arnold, and Aaron Arnold, as well as great-grandson James Cain. Sylvianne's surviving relatives in France include her nephew, Thierry (Françoise) Jallerat, grand-nephew Sylvain (Julia) Jallerat, and four great-grand nephews/nieces. Sylvianne pursued a career of teaching and translation/interpreting. But she will be best remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, the cornerstone of the family, providing loving and steadfast support of her husband's and children's endeavors. She could always be counted on, whether it was typing her husband's dissertation while caring for three young children, sewing Halloween costumes and custom outfits for her daughters, or preparing a delectable ratatouille or a homemade baklava. Unapologetically independent and often unconventional, Sylvianne lived her chosen life through family, travel, pursuit of knowledge, and finding beauty in the simple things of life. An informal Celebration of Life is planned for mid-July, details to be announced. Private inurnment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on August 13th. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.

Tributes

Sylvianne Fanny Downing

June 17, 1933 - June 6, 2021

Tributes

Sylvianne Fanny Downing

June 17, 1933 - June 6, 2021

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