Marguerite L. "Mardie" Brown

WATERVILLE -- Marguerite L. "Mardie" Brown, 92, died at her home June 2, 2009, in Waterville with her family by her side.

She was born in Portland, Ore., April 22, 1917, the daughter of Antoine and Winifred (Beaton) Labbe. She was educated in the schools of Portland and received a bachelor's degree from Mills College. She met her husband, Donald F. Brown, while getting her master's in art at New York University. They were married Nov. 22, 1940, in New York, N.Y. In 1949 they moved to Maine and became residents of Palermo, raising their three children there.

Mardie taught art at a one-room schoolhouse, swimming lessons to the local children and was a member of the Palermo Grange as well as the Farm Extension. Later in her life, Mardie worked as a probation and parole officer.

Mardie was a very athletic person, participating in competitive running and swimming events well into her 80s and receiving world recognition for holding records in swimming in various masters age groups. She was a member of the Central Maine Striders of Waterville, New England Masters Swimming, and the Waterville Sub Aqua SCUBA diving club.

She is survived by her husband, Donald F. Brown of Waterville; a daughter, Michael S. Brown of Winthrop; two sons, Donald F. Brown Jr. of Ipswich, Mass., and Antoine G. Brown of San Rafael, Calif.; four grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember Mardie may send a donation to the Aquatic Program at the Waterville Area Boys and Girls Club, Attention Ken Walsh, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.

A celebration of Mardie's life will be planned for a later date.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.