Molly Bruce Downing

Molly Bruce Downing, of Sanibel, Florida, died on October 17, at her residence in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, after a brief battle with cancer. 

Molly was born on February 21,1942, to Flora Pope Bruce and Leonard Herrick Bruce. Molly was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She graduated from Hathaway Brown School, in 1960, and she received her BA from Smith College, Northampton, MA, in 1964. Molly worked in education for much of her life. First, at The American School in Switzerland, in Lugano, Switzerland. Then, at both Hawken School and Hathaway Brown School. After receiving her master’s degree in counseling from John Carroll University, she worked at Mayfield High School, as a school social worker. Molly worked at Lee Hecht Harrison as a career counselor for many years before retiring.

 She had a generosity of spirit that made her beloved in each of those pursuits. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, George Downing, and her sisters, Heather Bruce Nevin and Flora Sargent “Bonnie” Bruce. Molly is survived by her son Matthew (Debby) of Shaker Heights and daughter Gwynne Gretter (Craig) of Gates Mills and her adoring grandchildren Anna, Avery and Tommy Downing and Katie and Gage Gretter.

 Molly and George met at a party at what would become their home of almost 50 years. They raised their children, traveled the world, and entertained cherished friends. They had the home that genuinely welcomed everyone. Molly was gifted at making and keeping friends, as reflected in the many long and enduring friendships that enriched her life. 

Molly was boundlessly energetic; she played tennis with a competitive spirit and rarely missed an opportunity to paddle her kayak in the gorgeous waters around Sanibel. As an avid naturalist, she volunteered her time at C.R.O.W., Ding Darling Wildlife Society, and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 

She was active in alumni organizations for Smith College and Hathaway Brown School, and she served on the Board for the Captiva Island Yacht Club and The Hitchcock Center for Women.

 As she approached the end, Molly was at peace. She was grateful for the joy and happiness she experienced throughout her life and for her loving family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to either the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341711&id=4) or The Hitchcock Center for Women (https://hcfw.org/donate/). A celebration of Molly’s life is being planned for December 14th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Shaker Heights Country Club, 3300 Courtland Blvd., Shaker Hts., OH 44122.