Mary Brown

1935 - 2026

Mary Louise Millar Lidster Brown passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, surrounded by her family and devoted caregiver in Carmichael, California.

Mary Lousie was born in Glendale, California June 8, 1935, and is preceded in death by her parents Robert Millar and Maude Luft Millar, and her husband Julian Brown and her son, John James Lidster. A loving mother and grandmother, Mary Louise leaves behind her daughter, Ann Louise Lidster Gudmann married to Tim and their children, Madison, Grant, and Kennedy, her son William David Lidster married to Dana and their children Kate, Carolyn, Camille, and William, her son Robert Millar Lidster married to Alena and his children Annika, Audrey, Ian, and their children Jason and Lucas, her stepson Timothy Brown, and stepdaughter Penny Brown Lippincott.

Mary Louise grew up in Davis, CA with her family. She was an active community member and grew up playing the organ in church alongside her mother. She attended Davis High School and was active in student activities and often crowned class princess, and the Student Body Homecoming Queen and Miss Yolo County. Her family were longtime owners of The Varsity Theatre.

Mary Louise was a beloved piano teacher for over 40 years. She was a very loving teacher and saw the inner talent in every student. Each year, she would host an annual recital at the Pease Conservatory Theatre. Some of her students were her 10 grandchildren who continued playing and studying music in college. As a devoted grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and their friends.

Mary Lousie attended Fremont Presbyterian Church. She was an active member of the Sacramento Chapter of the Assistance League where she devoted many hours volunteering.

When Mary Louise wasn't playing the piano, she could be found working out at her gym, taking classes, and enjoying many hours with her daily coffee club. Mary Louise will be missed by all who knew and loved her.