Marlene Brown

Marlene Rowland Brown, 88, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully after a long journey with dementia, surrounded by her family.

Born in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Marlene married Robert K. “Bob” Brown Jr. in 1954, beginning a lifelong love story. Together they raised four children and built a home filled with love, faith, and care for others.

Marlene was known for her selfless and generous spirit, always seeing the good in people. She loved reading, and was an active member of numerous book clubs as well as a card club she belonged to since her twenties. She and her husband loved to entertain, and she was a wonderful cook who was always trying new recipes. Her passion for gardening led her to become a Master Gardener. Later in life, she worked as a realtor, helping others find homes of their own. She cherished their friendships and enjoyed being social, creating a welcoming presence for all who knew her.

She was a woman of faith throughout her life, having been raised in the Baptist church and later becoming a member of Methodist and Presbyterian congregations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert K. “Bob” Brown Jr., her son, Robert “Robbie” K Brown III, and her sisters, Margaret Ann Geist and Mildred Zitzman.

She is survived by her children, Ben Brown (Carrie), Laurie Brown Roorback (Bill), and Joshua Brown (Daphane); her sister-in-law, Barbara Brown Collicio, and brother-in-law, James Brown (Susan); her grandchildren, Travis Brown, Shannon Oehme (Chris), Madison Brown (Kaleb), Savannah Reda (Andrew), Jordan Roorback (Laurie), and Brooks Roorback (Jennie); 10 great-grandchildren; and loving nieces and nephews. Extended family includes Terri Brown Omdahl and Betsy Brown.

A small family service will be held in the nursing home chapel. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated. Her ashes will later be scattered in Lake Erie alongside her husband, honoring their lifelong love.

The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers and staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph Memory Care for the kindness, compassion, and care they showed Marlene during her final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Concordia at Villa St. Joseph Memory Care, 1040 W State Street Baden, PA 15005 or Good Samaritan Hospice, 116 Brown's Hill Road, Valencia, PA 16059..

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.