Downs, Maria Anthony, 1931-

Maria Anthony Downs was born Maria Anthony on November 9, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. She worked as a professional model in Chicago, from 1956 to 1963, and attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1956 and DePaul University in 1958. She married John Edward Downs on April 16, 1961. She was staff assistant for the Goldwater for President Committee in 1964; Director of Women's Programs for the Republican National Committee, 1964 to 1969; and executive director of the Women's National Press Club, 1970 to 1971. Downs served as special assistant to Anne Armstrong while she was co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, 1971 to 1973; and was special assistant to Anne Armstrong, Counsellor to the President, 1973 to 1974. From February to October 1975, she served as executive assistant in the White House Bicentennial Liaison Office. Downs was White House Social Secretary from October 1975 to January 1977.