Marilynn Brown

Marilynn Brown, a lifelong California resident, passed away at her home in Santa Cruz at the age of 86 on Sept 6th, 2010. She was born Dec 28th, 1923 in Oakland, California, the much loved only child of Bruce and Vivian McCollum. She graduated from Piedmont High School, attended Pomona College and, after the interruptions of war, marriage and the births of two children, graduated with her husband, George, from the University of Texas in 1954.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, George B. Brown, Jr. whom she married on her 21st birthday in December 1944. George and Marilynn met at a Camp Curry dance in Yosemite during the summer of 1941 where, after their first few dances, she confided in her girlfriends, Louise and Betty that "I have just met the man I'm going to marry." For over 60 years, George and Marilynn made the pilgrimage back to Yosemite almost every year always taking a picture by the spot where they met to enjoy each other in the place they cherished as the most beautiful and special on earth.

Marilynn is also mourned by the remainder of her loving immediate family; her son, George B. Brown, III; her daughter, Valerie Ortega; her son-in-law Gerard Ortega; her granddaughter, Liv Hassett and her husband, Jim; and her much loved great-grandchildren, her namesake, Marilynn, Rosalie, and Braden.

George and Marilynn moved permanently to Santa Cruz in the late 1970's embracing the community she so loved and they in turn embraced her. In her later years, Marilynn was a proud member of the Silver Dolphin Swim Club and was particularly cherished by her friends there.

Marilynn leaves behind her a legacy of love for family and devotion to a life-long circle of friends both old and new. She was truly beautiful both inside and out and touched the lives of all who were privileged to know her. At her request, there will be no Memorial Service but donations in her name to the Hospice of Santa Cruz County will be gratefully appreciated.