BROWNING, Priscilla

Donaldson Edwards

"Percy"

2/16/35 – 1/13/21

Percy was born in New York, NY, on February 16, 1935.

Preceded in death by her

parents Russell Edwards and Martha Joe Swain; her

son-in-law Dr. Patrick M. Riley, and her former husband

Robert E. Browning. She is

survived by her sister Connie (George) Mitchell of Bayport, NY, and her four children: Liz Riley of Columbus, OH, Keith (Pam) Browning of Dayton, OH, Russell (Tui) Browning of St. Louis, MO, and Peter (Ursula) Browning of Ithaca, NY.

In addition, she is survived by her 14 grandchildren: Kate (Andy) Talcott, Meg (Jackson) Roberts, Trevor (Natalie)

Browning, Lex (Katie) Browning, Carly, Russell Jr., Sarah, Liza, Michael and John Browning, Karinna, Cecile, Annika, and

Cyrus Kurman-Browning; 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Percy was raised in West Sayville, NY, attended Sayville High and then Cornell University graduating in 1956 with a BA in English from the College of Arts & Sciences. She later earned an MA in Psychology in 1986 from the University of

Bridgeport.

Percy married Bob Browning in 1957 and raised her family in Maysville, KY, where she was affiliated with numerous organizations including the Maysville Players, Mason County High School Choir and co-founded the Limestone Youth Orchestra. She was involved in the Mason County Fund, and a director for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.

In 1994 Percy moved to Ithaca, NY, and continued her devotion to Cornell, as an enthusiastic patron and tireless

advocate of music and the arts at the university. She was also very actively involved, and in leadership roles with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Community Foundation of Tompkins County, Finger Lakes Land Trust, Ithaca Rotary, Kitchen

Theatre Company, and the Paleontological Research Institution. In 2004 Percy was recognized as Philanthropist of the Year for Tompkins County from the Association of Fund

Raising Professionals.

Guestbook at Bangs Funeral Home: www.bangsfuneralhome.com. Her full obituary can be found at the Bangs Funeral Home website. A memorial celebration to follow when it will be safer to be together.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to recognize her life to The Maysville Players, PO Box 537 Maysville, KY 41056 or the Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Jan. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Priscilla BROWNING

Sponsored by Bangs Funeral Home - Ithaca.

30 Entries

Bevis Schock

April 8, 2021

Obviously one of the world’s great women. She made it go forward and her love of the arts enriched the culture of is all.

Barbara Browning

February 14, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Otto Doering

January 30, 2021

I met Percy first when we were both on Arts College Council at Cornell. We also worked together on the renovation of Lincoln Hall and she also supported the small Friends of Music fund for student performance that I shepherded. She was incredibly able at whatever task she took on, kind, but also did not suffer fools gladly. When we worked on things together she usually saw a good way forward and also expected me to share my share of the burden as we pushed ahead. When I was in Ithaca several years ago, we had dinner together at the 'Corners' - a mixture of shop talk about what needed to be done, sharing personal news, and a certain amount of introspection on both sides. I will miss her not being there pushing me to do my part of what needed to be done.

Kathy Huston

January 29, 2021

I am one of many musicians and artists who are indebted to Percy’s generosity and service. What an inspiring example she has set, captured so lovingly in her obituary. Percy will be missed by the Cornell Chorus and her memory held dear.

Lee Goodhew

January 25, 2021

What a lovely and lively lady! I will never forget Percy. Smart, quick witted, kind, generous and lived life to the fullest. Thank you for sharing her story. Much gratitude for all the fun times and inspiration. RIP beautiful.

Beth Prentice

January 24, 2021

Dear Peter. Thys and I first met your mother in the late 90s at a Democratic fundraiser at her home . The next time, it was a musical event at her home. It was very interesting to read the obituary. I knew the was a force but it was so wonderful to hear of all her activities and accomplishments. She was a remarkable woman. Thys and I send our deep condolences.

Heather Tait

January 22, 2021

A force of nature & someone who could make me gasp/laugh simultaneously. I never wondered what Percy truly thought... Her tireless support of the arts was inspiring. May her memory be a blessing.

Meg and John Rosenau

January 22, 2021

It is with love and deepest sympathy that our family sends our condolences. We feel fortunate to have known Percy for many years and to have shared in memorable family celebrations along the way. This beautiful tribute reflects how fully engaged in life she was and so deeply loved.
The Rosenau Family

January 21, 2021

Percy was a light in darkness...always...and never feared failing at life, love, or happiness. I was blessed to know and work with her at the Maysville Players. Marion Waggoner

Rich Sheiman

January 21, 2021

I vividly recall meeting Pete’s mom for the first time. She mesmerized me this boy with her positivity, high energy and adventurous spirit having just returned from some exotic land. We have lived in this same small town for 25 years with all the joys and struggled; Percy has been a guiding light and fine example of what it means to be a excellent citizen and person. I am sad knowing I won’t be seeing her around town ; happy for the memories and chance to know her

Kallen Esperian

January 21, 2021

Percy's Passion, Fire, and Spirit So very inspiring....
Thank You, Percy

Paul Hillenmeyer

January 21, 2021

Truly a life well lived by a gracious, lovely and talented woman. Sincere condolences from our family to yours.

Diane Cohen

January 21, 2021

Condolences to Percy's dear extended family and friends. I was fortunate know Percy over the last decade and she was an enthusiastic and generous advisor and supporter. We will miss her creative and zesty spirit, and promise to carry her special and unique energy on in our daily work. From all of us at Finger Lakes ReUse, with love and gratitude, we will miss you Percy and will carry on in celebration of your memory.

Margie Lechowicz

January 21, 2021

So sorry to hear of her passing! I recall a delightful visit to the Browning Home in Maysville one holiday season many years ago where she was the perfect hostess. Another Star in Heaven to brighten the night sky.

Darrin Wallingford

January 20, 2021

Dear Elizabeth, Keith, Russell, Peter & family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Your mother was an extraordinary woman. I was very fortunate to have had all of you down the street where we all grew up. Russell and I grew up doing everything together which also meant Mrs. Browning was like a 2nd mother to me. I remember she took me to see several plays with Russ and I enjoyed them all. I will never forget all of the fun and laughter we shared at the Browning home in Maysville. I think of you all quite often however on this day my saddened heart will be with you all. Love you guys, Darrin Wallingford

George VanMeter Jr

January 20, 2021

I am so sorry to her of Percy’s passing. What an obituary ! I loved reading about this loving, educated, active, giving, talented and fun woman. I know you all are proud of her and be thankful every day for your wonderful mom. I will pass the news on to my siblings. Please accept my sympathies. George

Vicki McCann

January 20, 2021

What a wonderful tribute written for an amazing lady! We send our deepest condolences to your entire family. Love, The McCann family

Betsy Darlington

January 20, 2021

Shortly after Percy moved to Ithaca in the mid-1990s, I got a phone call from her, out of the blue. I was volunteering for the Finger Lakes Land Trust, pursuing various land protection projects. Percy told me that she had recently moved here, and she wondered if there was any land that the Land Trust was especially interested in acquiring. I immediately had two parcels in mind that the Land Trust badly wanted to add to our existing nature preserves. One was an addition to the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve in West Danby, and the other, an addition to the Stevenson Forest Preserve in Enfield. Well, wouldn't you know, Percy being Percy! She bought both parcels and then donated them to the Land Trust! Percy was a woman of action and determination!

I also knew her as a musician. Shortly after I got to know her, she invited me to come play sonatas with her. In particular, I fondly remember playing Beethoven's Spring Sonata with her. She was a true Renaissance Woman. I wonder if there was anything she couldn't or wouldn't do.

What energy, zest for life, and talent! I will miss her! I send all of her family my deepest condolences.
Betsy Darlington

Wendy Kimble Dugan

January 20, 2021

I caught Percy in a great mood at intermission of a Kitchen Theatre show. She was my friend for singing (Cornell Chorale, 20+ years, Ithaca Community Chorus), concertgoing, dining out. I will miss you, Percy, and your inspiration for my life.

Tori Brown

January 19, 2021

Percy was an inspiration. She did Pilates classes 2-3x per week at our studio from the time we opened in Oct 2001 through until mid-Nov 2020. She constantly amazed us with her strength, flexibility, and balance. She was stronger than most 20-somethings coming in to take classes. I think over the course of 20 years, I could count the number of weeks she missed her weekly sessions, on my two hands. She was very dedicated to her health and she'd be damned if she was going to let age get the best of her. She was one tough cookie, mentally and physically. She always called it as she saw it with no sugar-coating, but she had a huge heart. We will hold her lovely heart in our memories forevermore. She will be missed by many in her Pilates Room community.

Dorothy Browning

January 19, 2021

Aunt Percy said to me "you better get wiser with age", and she meant it. I've done my best. What an extraordinary woman, each of her children possess the best of her in various combinations. I'm blessed to know them. Liz, Keith, Russell and Peter, and all your families, living next door to you and your mom remains an indelible highlight of life. Love to you all at this time of your loss. Doe Browning

Brett Bossard

January 19, 2021

A great loss to our town and the arts community.

Percy played the matriarch of our musical family in the Kitchen Theatre Company's production of "I Have a Song to Sing, O!" From then on, I always called her "mom" whenever I saw her, and she'd call me "son" in return.

I'll miss her.

Jim and Terry Byrnes

January 19, 2021

The tribute from her family is wonderful. Percy did all of those things for her communities and was always so friendly and lively that she brightened all of our lives. We will all miss her.

RIP Percy. <br />-Sheila

Sheila/Kevin Ossit

January 19, 2021

Sending deepest sympathies. What a character! A smart, tough cookie, with an infectious smile. Memories of riding with her in that little red bug, lunches, trips to Skaneateles to play "hooky" from CCO, concerts, and a few stern lectures on fundraising, audience building, music director searches, and how to get good board members...Hot tea spilled in her lap by a certain conductor from Brazil, who adored her too (not a good first impression). I learned so much from her. One of my favorite moments---her birthday dinner we hosted for her along with Val/Winnie and our kids at Ciao! Shared some more memories, laughter and tears with Stephen N. the other night, when I heard of her passing. No one...NO ONE like her, that's for sure. I am better for having known her, and am grateful for the times I shared with her. Quite certain she was greeted by a full orchestra with choirs of angels at the gates---new compositions playing, perhaps by female composers! I will remember her with great fondness. We are so sorry for your loss.
-----With heavy hearts, Sheila (former Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Exec Dir) and Kevin Ossit
And the kids: Zack, Nathan and Maggie

Montaneros Board of Directors

Planted Trees

Terrie Black

January 19, 2021

What a legacy! I can see that she will be very missed. My condolences to Liz and the family.

Jeff Silvey

January 18, 2021

Mrs Browning was a real blessing to me through playing the piano for MCHS choir and also on the help with the trip to Europe for the choir festival. Praying for strength and peace for her family during this time of loss.

Bedouin Dennison

January 18, 2021

Dear Liz & family, please accept our heartfelt condolences & love. Your mother & family provided & continues to provide our community of Maysville with so much history, culture & talent. We have been so fortunate to experience such enrichment to our lives. Sending much love & appreciation. Bedouin & Randall Dennison

THOMAS itin

January 18, 2021

To the Browning family

Priscilla was a good friend . Her late ex- husband Bob was a fraternity brother at SAE

A classy lady!

RIP, Priscilla

Tom and Shirley Itin

Christa Warden

January 16, 2021

Percy holds a special place in my heart. My sympathies go out to her family.

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