Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Brown

Betty Brown, 86, died Friday, August 27, 2010 in Shrewsbury, MA. She was born in Kingston, PA to Julius & Mary Ellen (Murphy) Froehlich. She was predeceased by her brother, David Froehlich, of Dallas, TX and is survived by her beloved husband, Frank Brown, and her sisters, Kay Black and Claire Vartain.

Betty was born in Kingston, PA and raised in NYC. Although Betty claimed she was not a good student, her family and friends found it hard to believe the very bright (Jeopardy contestant), articulate, well - read woman they knew could have been anything but a star pupil at George Washington High School from where she graduated in 1942.

In 1946 she met and married the man who would be her adoring husband for nearly 64 years and remained at her side as she died. Frank Brown was the man who made her laugh and often told her and their children "we may not have a lot of money but we'll always have fun". And that they did. He was the creative, expressive and a "little on the wild side" partner to her practical, thoughtful, "let's keep things organized" model.

After high school graduation, she was introduced to the world of business and finance as an assistant to a Wall Street broker. This early work experience and some college business classes fueled her lifelong interest in finance and investing. As a child of the depression, her investment strategies were conservative but the strategies she learned and the interest that was sparked by her brief time on Wall Street helped her and Frank support a family and enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Together, Betty and Frank raised 4 children and were thrilled to see all 4 married to fantastic spouses - Patricia & Richard Goodell of Portland, OR, David & Helen Brown of Westborough, MA, Christopher & Mary Kay Brown of Wilbraham, MA, Joanne & Ninad Samant of Shrewsbury, MA.

Frank started his own advertising specialty business in NYC (Progressive Sales Co) and worked at several side jobs while getting the business off the ground. While raising a family, Betty was his full partner and ran a "tight ship" as both Mom and business manager of the company. Through Frank's creative and sales expertise and Betty's business sense, they were able to survive some lean times and turn the business into a thriving source of financial security for their family.

Betty's joy and skill in being a Mom was even greater as "Nana" to 11 grandchildren. The first was born when she was 46 and the last at 74, followed a year later by the first of her 8 great grandchildren.

Betty and Frank raised their family primarily in New Hyde Park, NY, later moving to East Quogue, LI and Vero Beach, FL where they had many enjoyable years with a wide circle of golfing and church friends. Betty loved politics and was active in The League of Woman Voters. She was equally passionate about fairness, equal rights and peace. Her love of reading and thirst for knowledge are among the many legacies passed to her children. As a volunteer tutor to at-risk children from low-income families, she inspired this same spark in those children.

After enjoying many years of travel throughout the US and Europe, they moved to MA in 2002, to be near 3 of their 4 children and 8 of their 11 grandchildren. Although remaining physically very healthy, Betty struggled valiantly for about 8 years with the effects of depression and dementia. Though there's no medical corroboration, some of her doctors and the family believe she was able to stave off the more debilitating symptoms of dementia for many years because of her lifelong love of reading, debating, doing the NY Times crossword puzzles (in ink), much traveling, exercising/golf, many friendships and close family connections. Even as she exhibited the most serious effects of dementia, she still had amazing recall of family details. And nearly to the end of her life she was still trying to tame the "wild streak" in Frank - "oh Frank, that yellow sweater does NOT look good with your red shirt".

Her last year, though a struggle mentally, was peaceful for her and she was surrounded by loving family to the end and was supported and adored by the most important person in her life, Frank. He was always so proud of her - his beautiful, very intelligent, vivacious Betty.

She was beloved by her children, grandkids, and extended family who will miss her radiant smile; her ability to tell a good joke; and even better appreciation of a good joke (especially the "practical ones" frequently played on her by Frank); her knack of remembering things no one else could remember, her great spaghetti & meatballs, split pea soup, & shrimp scampi; and most importantly, her ability to make each of her kids feel like they were her favorite. She was our rock and she will be missed.

Special appreciation to the caring staff at Southgate of Shrewsbury and her friend and personal assistant, Shirley.

Please join us in celebrating her life at First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Rd, Shrewsbury, MA at 11 am on Saturday, Sept. 4th.

In lieu of flowers, Betty would be pleased to be remembered by donating to Doctors Without Borders

www.doctorswithborders

.org/donate