Ellen Downing

1929-2025

In Loving Memory of Ellen Downing
Born in Mountain View, CA. Passed away in Santa Barbara, CA.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ellen Downing, who left us peacefully on June 9, 2025. Ellen lived a long and fulfilling life, and touched countless others with her warmth, wisdom, and grace.

A proud magna cum laude graduate of San José State University in 1949, Ellen had a deep appreciation for education. Her lifelong love of learning shaped who she was: always curious, thoughtful, and eager to grow. She was a mainstay for many years with Santa Barbara City College’s Adult Education Department and was the driving force behind the Mind and Supermind lecture series.

Music was another of Ellen’s great passions; her home often echoed with melody, creating a welcoming and joyful space for all. After retiring, she continued to share her musical talents by playing percussion with the Prime Time Band.

Ellen’s demeanor was a beautiful blend of kindness, intelligence, humility, wit, and love. She often shared her guiding philosophy: “Treat others as you want to be treated,” a mantra she lived by and modeled daily. Her gentle presence and generous spirit endeared her to all who knew her.

Above all, Ellen considered her greatest accomplishment to be her family. She is lovingly remembered by her two remaining children, Samuel Downing, and Susan Downing, as well as her grandchildren, Wesley and Sean Downing, and Lauren Morimoto. She also held deep affection for her niece and nephew, Allison (Paul) Lenarcic and Eric (Jewel) Stoddard, along with many cherished friends.  She was preceded in death by her son Stephen Downing, parents Bert and Glenna Erichsen, and sister Elizabeth (John) Stoddard.

Her absence will be profoundly felt, but her legacy of love, compassion, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.