Mary Brown

Brown, Mary C 8/18/1935 - 11/21/2021 Kalamazoo, Michigan Mary Brown passed away at her home in the early morning of November 21. Don, her husband of 65 years, was by her side. In 1935 Mary was born in Midland Michigan, the first child of Sheldon and Wilma Carney. She is survived by two sisters, Charlotte Pierce and Loretta Konnecki, and brother James Carney. Also surviving are Mary's children, Linda Cook, Jeff Brown and Jim Brown, as well as five grandchildren and one great grandson. Throughout her life Mary was deeply concerned with improving the lives of others. That concern led Mary to action in many ways; as dedicated parent, mentor and sage advisor, and as a leader in civil rights, equity, and environmental protection. Her home was the site of many fundraisers for office holders and aspirants, benefits for worthy causes and simple neighborhood events. The offices she held extended her impact. Mary's abilities were recognized early as Salutatorian of her high school class and later as Outstanding Transfer Student at Syracuse University having left Albion College to join Don at S.U. She earned A B and M S degrees. When she entered the Michigan Legislature she was among the " Outstanding Freshman Legislators" of 1976. During her eighteen years serving the Kalamazoo area in the Legislature, Mary served on or chaired several committees concerning matters important to her. Among these were: Civil Rights and Women's Issues, Conservation Environment and The Great Lakes, and Human Resources and Children. She served seven years as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. In the years between marriage in 1956 and entering the Legislature, Mary taught swimming at the YWCA and Physical Education and Recreation at a public school, Kalamazoo college and at Western Michigan University. She also became much involved in the League of Women Voters and Planned Parenthood while also raising three children. During retirement she barely slowed down being appointed as Natural Resources Commissioner, leading two Girl Scout troops (simultaneously), serving on the boards of the Michigan Environmental Council, Habitat For Humanity, Planned Parenthood, Ministry With Community, and other worthy causes. Mary was a prodigious fundraiser for Planned Parenthood, Democratic candidates and other Causes; if Mary asked, people gave. Appreciation of Mary's many contributions to the community and the State of Michigan was expressed via many awards including the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 and induction into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2007. Consistent with Mary's wishes, no public service is planned but groups she served are remembering her in various ways. Individuals may honor her through contributions to the charities of their choice and emulating her life of love and service. Preceded in death: Sheldon and Wilma Carney. Survived by: Husband Donald J Brown; Sisters Charlotte Pierce and Loretta Konnecki; Brother James Carney; Children Linda Cook, Jeff Brown and James Brown; five grandchildren, one great grandson. No service planned. Whitley