Downing, Sylvianne Sylvianne (Jallerat) Downing, age 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, and grandson Theodore Cain, Sylvianne is survived by her husband and three daughters, Francine (Roger) Anderson, Theresa Cain, and Valerie (Jeff) Arnold, six grandchildren, and a great-grandson. 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. 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. Washburn-McReavy.com Davies Chapel 612-377-2203