JANE BROWN

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