Carolyn Durkee Brown

1938 - 2025

Carolyn Durkee Brown

April 18, 1938 - October 11, 2025

Carolyn Durkee Brown passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 18, 1938, in Fort Edward, New York, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Dorothy (Hoysradt) Durkee.

Carolyn was born and raised in her beloved village of Fort Edward, where she graduated from Fort Edward High School in 1956. A lifelong learner, she went on to earn degrees from SUNY Adirondack and Skidmore College while raising three daughters. Her devotion to education shaped her life, first as a preschool teacher, then as an English instructor at Comstock State Prison, where she helped countless people earn their GEDs. She retired from the State in 2002 but continued to share her love of learning as a substitute teacher until 2006.

On February 28, 1959, Carolyn married the love of her life, the late Bernard V. Brown. Together they built a life rich with love, laughter, and family traditions that will forever be cherished by their children and grandchildren.

Faith, friendship, and community were cornerstones of Carolyn's life. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a longtime member of Hudson Falls United Methodist Church, where her beautiful soprano voice filled the sanctuary and lifted the hearts of those who heard her sing. Music was one of her many gifts, a true expression of her joy, faith, and deep connection to others.

Carolyn loved people and had a natural gift for bringing them together. She had a true passion for entertaining, often hosting gatherings throughout the year where friends and family would share stories, laughter, and lasting memories. Her home was a place of warmth, welcome, and a true reflection of her generous heart.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bernard V. Brown; her daughter, Robbin Brown; and her brothers, Bill Durkee, Bob Durkee, and Carl Durkee.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sandi (Scott) Howe and Cherie (Mark) Bombard; her grandchildren Kris (Jenn) Howe, Nicole (Lester) Hall, Nate (Ashlee) Howe, and Hayden Bombard (Katelyn); brother, Richard (Julie) Durkee; as well as many great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Carolyn's legacy of kindness and love will continue to echo through the lives of all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 8th at noon at Union Cemetery in Fort Edward, NY. A gathering to celebrate Carolyn's life will follow, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn's memory to the Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.