Isabel L. BROWN

Isabel L Brown,age 91, of Thonotosassa Florida, passed away on Sunday December 29th at Advent Health Hospital in Zephyrhills after a short illness and a period of declining health.

Named " Ruth Isabel Long," Isabel was born July 25th, 1928 In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to John Harris Long and Ruth Isabel Hess. Isabel was the eldest of 6 siblings and is survived by her 5 brothers and sisters, 4 children, 23 grandchildren and 54 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Harry Lewis Brown, her husband of 34 years and one grandson, Jonathan C. Zvirzdin.


She graduated from Lankenau Nursing College in 1948 and worked as a Public Health Nurse in Utica, New York where she met and married Harry Lewis Brown on January 13,1951. She was proud of being a nurse and kept her license active even though she was a stay- at -home -Mom until her children were in school. Isabel was a member of the New Hartford, New York Methodist Church for 30 years. She served as a President of the United Methodist Women's Association for several years.. Her daughters' fond memories include helping her work in the kitchen for the many church dinners Isabel organized.


After the passing of Harry Brown in 1984, Isabel became the matriarch of the family. She traveled to all the states her children lived, including Utah, Wisconsin, Alaska,Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania. She was known for her great cooking. Company could expect sticky buns, crumb pie, cookies and home cooked meals. Gardening was Isabel's hobby as well. Her "Grandma Grants" helped several grandchildren with college expenses. One of her favorite past times was winning at a favorite family game called Allies. She knitted and crocheted baby blankets for most of her 54 great grandchildren. Isabel served as a Lay Leader in the Methodist Church. She enjoyed speaking in church. Here is a thought found among her talks which demonstrate her faith- filled life:

"As human beings we cannot defeat death. We can be responsible for our quality of life. The worst way to live is to fear living. The worst way to die is to fear dying. Let joy come into your life. Stay open to others. Confront fears. Opt for service instead of selfishness. Learn to forgive. Relinquish hatred. Practice loving. Let the new day come as a carrier of hope.This, my friends is a recipe for life. With the Lord walking with you, it is possible."


Isabel, fondly known as Grandma Brown, and Great Grandma is survived by her 4 children - Russell and Kay Brown of Sparta, Wisconsin, Lorene and Ken Hodge of Chesterfield, Virginia, Janice and Earl Moats of Gap, PA and Catherine and Joseph Zvirzdin of Richfield Springs; NY; also survived by her brother Robert and Barbara Long , Inverness, Illinois,and brother Ray and Sharon Long of Bath, New York, and sisters, Frances Ratcliffe of Rochester, New York, Virginia Motyca of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Marjory "Midge " Edwards of Bath , New York.


Isabel and Paul Wells, her beloved devoted companion of 19 years, spent 8 years living in Gettysburg, PA and more recently in "Camp Lemora" now known as River Palm Resort In Thonotosassa Florida.


The Brown siblings will be planning a memorial service in July 2020. Interment will be in the Port Byron Cemetery in New York State. More details will follow.