Obituary of Kathryn Brown

Besse Kathryn Brown, 96, a resident of Millcreek Township passed away Monday October 6, 2014, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 14, 1918 in New Bethlehem, PA, the daughter of the late Stanley M. and Grace Hepler Bowersox. Following high school graduation, she spent one year on the family farm helping her mother. Kathryn then moved to Waterford, PA living with relatives while attending Erie Business Center. After graduation in 1939, she worked for the Lovell Mfg. Co. where she met the love of her life, Florian L. Brown. They were married on July 4, 1942 as this was the only day they could take off work due to the war. Kathryn was a devoted and hard working mother, accepting the challenge of raising her three young children following the sudden death of her husband in January 1954. She was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church serving as communion steward and maintaining attendance records. Kathryn was a strong, loving, and caring person always expressing concern for others before herself. She loved cooking, baking and preparing family dinners and welcoming all into her home. In later years, she enjoyed reading, walks throughout the neighborhood, feeding and watching her birdies and sharing the variety of flowers, growing in her yard, with neighbors and friends. She just adored and collected bunnies. Mom loved candy, kept her dish of 'kisses' close by and was quick to say "would you like a piece of candy?" She will be remembered for the homemade "goodie" boxes she made up at Christmas and gave to friends. Kathryn enjoyed good health and remained in her home until the time of her death. The strength of and commitment to her faith provided great peace and calm in her final days. Words cannot begin to express how much she will be missed having fulfilled the roles of both mother and father. We will be forever grateful for the gifts of love and caring she bestowed upon her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Florian Lynn Brown (1954); two brothers, Harold Stanley and Richard Addison Bowersox. Survivors include two daughters, Karen Brown Kerr (Matthew) of Edinboro, PA and Linda K. Brown of Millcreek; one son, Charles E. Brown of Millcreek; and six nephews. The family is grateful and wishes to thank Betsy Wright, who provided loving early morning care allowing our mother to remain in her home for the past six years. We also wish to thank Pastor "Bob" Lewis for his visits, caring, and prayers this past week. Also Nancy Lamanna for her weekly visits and Dr. Robert Rodak for his care and house calls over the years. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Friday, October 10, 2014 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm and on Saturday October 11, 2014 from 10 am until time of service there at 11am conducted by the Rev. Robert Lewis. Burial to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lakewood United Methodist Church, 3856 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or to and Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or the charity of one's choice.