Obituary of Teresa Eileen Brown

Teresa Eileen Brown, 93, of Brewer, passed into the arms of God and her eagerly awaiting family and friends on August 11, 2024.  She was surrounded by her children, Ann, Teresa and her husband Arthur, Dan and his children Kayla and Jordan, which would have made her smile as family was everything to her.

Mom was born March 8, 1931, and was the beloved daughter of Fred and Inez Canning Dwyer.  A 1949 graduate of John Bapst High School, Mom had to turn down a full nursing scholarship due to the health of her mother.  She was employed by the phone company, taking a few years off to have and raise her eight children.  She resumed her career and retired with our dad at the same time in 1988.

A lifelong communicant of St. John's Catholic Church, Mom had deep faith.  Mom got through great tragedies, losses and challenges by placing it in God's Hands.  She was an incredibly strong woman, trusting that God had His reasons for the sadness incurred on earth.  

Mom's home was always open to all.  Many of the world's problems were solved around the kitchen table.  Her love of music was profound.  Stories from her many vacations and numerous shopping trips with Ann could fill a book.  She loved NYC, opera, museums, Broadway shows, concerts and historical sites.  Christmas at Disney World, New Years in Gatlinburg, and seeing Michael Flatley were a few highlights.  Mom was ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice, ready for the next adventure.  She knew the road to Nova Scotia and could have driven it in her sleep.  She went many times with her mother and then with Ann for many years.

Mom was proud of her Irish/Scotch roots.  A lifelong Democrat, she met President Clinton with Ann; saw President Obama and President Carter.  She saw St. John Paul II and often told of the peace that filled her when she saw him.  

Mom was the last living sibling in her family.  She was preceded by her parents; husband, Dick Brown, Sr.; sons, John Thomas and Fred; brothers, Carl, Gus, Pat, Pete and 3 infant brothers; sisters, Dorothy, Doris, Margaret, Colleen, Kathleen and one infant sister; grandchildren, Jimmy, Amanda, Michael and Chuckie; special aunts Rene Canning and Muriel Canning Wile; special aunt and uncle Randolph and Mary Canning; special nephew Butch Mcnulty; best friends, Nina Dalton, Peg Brewer, Ann Saad, Sr. Josephine Flanigan RSM, Fr. James Brewer.  Teresa is survived by best friend and daughter, Ann Brown; wonderful daughters, Teresa Lynch (Arthur) and Inez Tardiff (Gary); devoted sons, Richard Jr., Ed (Dawn) and Danny (Jenny-Lyn); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.  Special thanks to her grandchildren, Michael (deceased) Sean, Chuck (deceased), they never missed a birthday or holiday and during her short illness, Sean was always by her side.  Mom will also be missed by her special daughter, Barbi Brewer Hasse, "sister" Jeannette Robbins, and special and wonderful cousins Ellie and Amos Perry and their daughter Mary Sullivan.

Very special thanks to Father Matthew for visiting with Mom.  Also, to her hospice nurses for helping Ann to keep her promise to her dad that Mama would never have to leave her home.  

Mom had a rich, full life, making the best of every situation.  Please remember her in your prayers.  In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass said for her and remember her beautiful smile.  Much like her grandson Chuckie, Mom loved until her dear heart gave out.  We love you Mama, you were the best.

"Our lives are better left to chance.

She could have missed the pain,

But she'd have missed the dance.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 A.M. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John Catholic Church, 217 York St., Bangor.  The service can be livestreamed by clicking here.  Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Ohio St., Bangor.  All are invited to a reception in the hall at St John’s following the burial.  Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.  Messages may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com