Obituary of Joan E. Brown

“Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling!” On April 30, God called Mom to eternal rest! Joan E. (Brennan) Brown, from Bryn Mawr, died peacefully at home, at the age of 91, surrounded by love! She was the family Matriarch and a real Queen Bee who will be greatly missed. For over 50 years, Joan was the beloved wife of Robert J. Brown, Sr. and together they raised nine children. Putting up with Dad and keeping up with all of us was no easy task but Mom was a woman of great fortitude who embraced each challenge “the Irish way” (i.e., with humor … always remembering to forget her troubles while never forgetting to remember her blessings). Joan was a woman of deep faith who loved the Blessed Mother and kept her close (reciting the rosary daily). Mom taught us how to love selflessly and unconditionally and she role modeled how to make and keep lifelong friends. Joan always spoke lovingly of her parents and siblings and cherished her upbringing near the ‘ole Drexel estate. She was super proud of her children and told anyone who would listen how wonderful each one was and what each had accomplished. Mimmi/Grammy loved spending time with her 39 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren and she had a knack for making each one feel special. Mom often had a baby in her hands, birds at her feeders, and candy in her bowls. She loved the beach, trips to Little Buffalo, shopping, sticky buns, and pumpkin pie. She was a true extrovert who exuded an endearing thoughtfulness, graciousness, and dignity. Mom was an excellent homemaker who lived kindly, spoke frankly, laughed easily, loved wholeheartedly. She was the glue that kept the Browns together! Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Paul Brennan, her sister and best friend Marion (Aunt Motts) Mackel, her husband Bob, and her two sons Thomas (Ann DeWitt) and David. She is survived by four sons … Robert in Montana, Michael (Michele) in Monmouth Junction, NJ, Kevin (Peggy) in Lansdale, and Timothy (Jennifer) in Chatham, NJ, and three daughters … Mary (Terrance Dugan) in West Lawn, Kathleen (Robin Gasparini) in Fernandina Beach, FL, and Patricia (Mark Katzenmoyer) in Harrisburg … along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a legacy of loving grandchildren. Oh Danny Boy … “for you will bend and tell me that you love me and I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.” May perpetual light shine upon you Mom! A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Joan on Monday, May 6th at 2 PM at St. Margaret Mary Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. A public viewing will be held Sunday evening, May 5th from 6 PM to 8 PM, and again Monday afternoon, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Hoover Funeral Home at 6011 Linglestown Road. A private burial will be held May 8th at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery where she will be reunited with Dad. Dailey’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be expressed at www.daileyfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic School.