July 7, 1924 - August 17, 2024|MURIEL M. BROWN- BRISTOL – Muriel (MacGregor) Brown age 100 passed away peacefully of natural causes on Saturday August 17, 2024, at the Warren Center in Warren, RI, where she was surrounded by family. Muriel was born in New York City on June 7, 1924 as the only child of Gertrude Adelaide DeLaMater and George Van Buren MacGregor. Muriel spent her early years on Morning Side Heights in Manhattan and in 1937 her family moved to Tenafly, NJ where she attended high school. This is where she met her five life-long friends "The Six of Us". She was the last surviving member of the group, which is only natural, as she always reminded them that she was the youngest. She started Alleghany College in 1941 and transferred to New Jersey College for Women in 1942. Her college years were interrupted by WWII and her marriage to William R. Brown. Early in their marriage they enjoyed exploring and camping on the islands of Maine in a canoe. They were delighted when the pilot of a passing ferry announced that they were "local Indians headed to their summer fishing grounds".

The family lived briefly in Bristol and Pleasant Valley, CT and later moved to Westfield, MA. Muriel waited until her children were off to school all day to finish college. She graduated from Westfield University in 1962 with a degree in teaching. She taught elementary education in Westfield and when the family moved to Little Compton, RI she taught elementary school in Portsmouth, RI and later became the reading teacher in Portsmouth. When Muriel retired from the Portsmouth School system she worked as a real estate agent in Little Compton, a job she loved along with her clients. Her last place of residence was Bristol RI where she met many new friends and became active in Salve Regina University's Circle of Scholars.

Muriel's greatest passion was for her family with three children, nine grand children and fifteen great grandchildren, Muriel is survived by her son, Steve Brown and wife, Jeanie of Nashua, NH, Susan and husband Mark Bates of Little Compton, Laurel and husband James Kenney of Newport, RI.; grandchildren, Hilary and Eve Brown, Jennifer LeDuc, Katherine Higgins (Mike), Peter Bates (Field), Greg Bates (Weatherly), Nick Kenney (Jill), Elizabeth Kenney (Brendon Pillar), Rebecca Gray (Josh); great grand children Lily and Eloise LeDuc, Charlotte and Calvin Higgins, Camilla and Finn Bates, Rockwell and Vera Bates, Nolan Kenney, Maxwell and Margo Kenney-Pillar, Helena, Andrew, Bella and James Gray.

Muriel had many interests. She loved her long stays in Paris and her apartment in Boston. She loved reading, music, gardening, golf and social gatherings. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Her noncritical nature was expressed in her famous quote, "everyone has their own window on the world".

Muriel is predeceased by her husband William of 32 years. The family would like to thank Wendy, Dottie, Donna and Carmel for their years of loving care. Their care made it possible for Muriel to live in her home in Bristol for the remainder of her life. The family is also very grateful to the Warren Center for their professional and loving care of our mother and family. Hospice and the Warren Center provided a peaceful and caring end to a long and full life. We thank you for the love and compassion you showed us at this sad and difficult time.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 21,10:00 AM, at Saint Catherine of Siena Church, 74 Simmons Road, Little Compton, RI. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the nonprofit, Brownell Library, 44 Commons, PO Box 146, Little Compton, RI, 02837

Arrangements are in the care of Fern Acres Funeral Home. To send condolences please visit: www.FernAcresFuneralHome.com

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Published by Sakonnet Times (Tiverton & Little Compton), Bristol Phoenix on Aug. 25, 2024.