By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Harriette R.W. "Happy" Downey, an original member of the Ohio Arts Council and widow of former Reds owner James R. Williams, died Jan. 4 - her 80th birthday - in Bal Harbour, Fla., following a brief illness. She lived in Indian Creek Village, Fla.

Her life was defined by her joyful nature and appreciation of art.

"She was full of humor," said her son-in-law, Buck Niehoff of Hyde Park. "She was very outgoing and a lot of fun to be around. Her name - Happy - was so apt for her because she always was."

A native Cincinnatian, Mrs. Downey held a degree in interior design from Erskine College in Boston. She utilized her energy, talents and influence to raise money for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and organizations that the Reds supported.

Mrs. Downey and her first husband - whom she married in 1950 - were "known for throwing elaborate parties," Niehoff said. "I think the most famous party that they gave was the last ball at the Sinton Hotel in 1964.

"Her interest in art and design was manifest by her work on the Ohio Arts Council," her son-in-law said. Mrs. Downey was appointed by then-Gov. James A. Rhodes to the first council in 1965.

She married John E. Downey the year following the death of her first husband in 1986.

In addition to her husband, survivors include a daughter, Patricia Williams Niehoff of Hyde Park; step-children, Susan Olsen of Bal Harbour, Fla., Jack Downey of Pinecrest, Fla., and David Downey of Columbus; and a grandson.

Services have been held. Burial was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery.

Memorials: The Seven Hills School, 5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati 45227.

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E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com