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JANE BROWN Obituary

BROWN, Jane Bode Innovator and Pioneer in Higher Education, Devoted to Family Jane Bode Brown, of Brookline, Massachusetts, passed away on August 28, 2021, in her home after a long fight with ovarian cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by her family and close friends. She was 72. Born in London, England, Jane immigrated to Canada with her family in 1954 and then to the United States, settling in East Longmeadow, MA. She graduated from Bates College in 1969, where she met her husband Steve and made many lifelong friends. Jane had an exceptional eye for art and design, was an avid traveler, and enjoyed collecting sea glass while taking long walks on the beach with Steve near their second home in Saco, ME, often joined by her children, grandchildren and family friends. An innovator and pioneer in the field of college and university enrollment management, Jane led a distinguished career in higher education spanning 40 years and touching the lives of countless students, administrators, and faculty. Originally trained as a clinical speech pathologist, Jane joined the administration of Emerson College (Boston, MA) after serving as a faculty member, eventually serving as Dean of Admissions and Vice President for Enrollment. She later served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Mt. Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA) and Northeastern University (Boston, MA). Her legacy at Emerson, Mount Holyoke and Northeastern includes building accomplished student bodies with diverse academic interests from all walks of life, and a deep commitment to increasing opportunities for students from underserved communities. Jane's work ethic and strategic mindset were matched only by the grace, compassion, and empathy she displayed in every aspect of her work and life. Though Jane's professional accomplishments were considerable, her greatest joy was found in her family. Jane is survived by her devoted husband and partner of 50 years, Steve Brown, children Jessie (Chris Fanelli) and Noah (Anne), grandchildren Ben, Leif, Nina, Janie "Yaya," and Nick — all of whom were the true lights of her life — sister Sharon Corliss, brother-in-law John, nephew Alec, and her father Robert Bode. She was predeceased by her mother, Lorna. A memorial service will be held in the Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 12pm. The facility requests that all attendees be vaccinated and wear masks. The family is planning to hold a celebration of Jane's life in the future when public gatherings are safe. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jane's memory with a gift to the Posse Foundation (possefoundation.org) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (dana-farber.org/gift). www.brezniakfd.com

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

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 30 to Sep. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JANE BROWN

Not sure what to say?





Judy Levine

August 24, 2023

Steve,
Although I never knew Jane I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Judy (Hurwitz) Levine

Marge Gustafson

December 26, 2021

I learned about Jane´s passing from the winter edition of the Emerson Beacon. As Director of Graduate Admissions, I was hired by Jane and worked for her for 7 years. Although she was 10 years my junior, she was my mentor and role model. It was not only her intelligence and creativity which made her so successful and special, it was her grace. She had the unique ability to make everything and everyone she touched better. Rest In Peace Jane Brown and thank you.

Theresa Maronna

December 18, 2021

Today I received the Emerson College magazine and learned of Jane´s death. I was shocked and deeply saddened. She was my clinical supervisor at Emerson and thanks to her, I became a speech pathologist with excellent clinical skills. She was a ray of sunshine in a highly intense atmosphere. I will always remember her kindness , generosity and sense of humor. My deepest condolences to her family.

Maya Yinnon

September 19, 2021

Please accept my deepest sympathy, at this difficult time. Dear Jane was my clinical superviser in the late 70's at Emerson. I will always remember her kindness, professionalism, warmth and wisdom. Her smile kept me going. You, family and friends are in my thoughts. May your happy memories of Jane sustain you.
Maya Yinnon from Israel

Ed and Pauline Kane

September 5, 2021

Steve and family-
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Jane. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. May your many happy memories sustain you.

Alice Redmond-Neal and Dave Neal

September 4, 2021

Steve, I am stunned and so saddened to hear of Jane's passing. I have the best memories of working closely with her thru grad school. I regret we weren't in close contact in the later years, but you both have never been far in my thoughts. Treasure the wonderful life you shared and marvelous family you created together. Much love to you from New Mexico.

Hubert and Emily James and Family

September 4, 2021

Jessie and family, we are truly sorry for your loss and share in your sadness. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Sheila ufland

September 3, 2021

I know where you are right now. It will take a long time
To feel better but you will never forget.. you have lost a part of your life,.Be strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family.

ELLEN & MORTY

September 3, 2021

A sad day for your family. May you always be comforted by the joy she brought to your lives and may she Rest In Peace pain free.

David Bernstein and Donna Sorgi

September 2, 2021

We are so proud of Jane and her vast courage and determination to control her life as long as she could. And deeply saddened that it could not go on even longer. Our thoughts are with you.

JJudy Levine

September 1, 2021

Steve & Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Jane´s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Warmly,
Judy Levine

Donna McKenzie

August 31, 2021

Jane was a DEAR sweet friend while at ELHS
Thank you for your devotion to education Jane
Rest In Peace May your family remember all the Happy and Fun times Donna DiMauro McKenzie Sarasota FL and Milford CT

Janet Taylor

August 31, 2021

Life at Bates got to be fun in 1971 when I moved into Page Hall with Jane and the gang. Fun shenanigans, all nighters and lots of bridge. Thanks, Jane for the memories!

Linda Munck Cooke

August 31, 2021

You and your family are in my thoughts as you navigate this very sad and emotional time. I only saw Jane a handful of times since graduation from Bates, but they were always happy, fun and crazy times. Our last "girls reunion" in Portland was no different. Hold fast to all the memories you created together over 50+ years.

Jeff Sturgis

August 31, 2021

My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Malcolm Alter

August 31, 2021

Dear Steve,
I'm so sorry to learn of Jane's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Diane and Morty Burman

August 30, 2021

To the Brown Family and Sharon Corliss,
Our condolences to all of you on Jane´s passing. She was such a special person. May the memories you shared bring you comfort. Diane and Morty Burman

Paige. and Mike Oristano

August 30, 2021

Steve, There aren't many people who leave a legacy like Jane's. Paige remembers Jane so well and admired her so much. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Mike and Paige

Susan Waisbren

August 30, 2021

I´m thinking of you and remembering Jane with much love.

Rocky Stone

August 30, 2021

Steve
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family. May Jane rest in peace.

Rocky and Leanne Stone

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Memorial Events
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3

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery

580 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA

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