Obituary of Helen Brown

Helen Virginia Snodgrass Brown Helen S. Brown passed away on May 19, 2014 with her family in attendance. Helen was born on September 1, 1928 in Pitman, New Jersey to James and Jane Snodgrass. She was the 4th of 5 children. Brothers: James, Robert, and Harrison (all deceased) and sister, Janet Hughes (surviving). Helen graduated from Hahnemann School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA in 1949. On August 25, 1951, Helen married Robert Brown from Frackville, PA. They began their life journey together adding three daughters to their family. Helen worked full time to allow Bob to continue and complete medical school. Following Bob's graduation, Helen became a Navy wife and raised their three daughters, often times solo when the Navy called Bob away. The Navy provided many adventures, often in two different households. After retiring from the Navy in 1973, Bob and Helen settled in Thousand Oaks, CA. They settled into a busy life of making friends and enjoying life without moves. Together they traveled the country as well as the world. These trips provided many great memories. Helen became active in the community as a quilter and a member of the St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. Helen is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert A. Brown, MD, and their three daughters and their families: Deborah Parmelee (Brian), children Rhiannon, Karen and Tyler; Melissa Bowden (Jeff), child Craig (Melissa); and Diana Smith, children Cory, Eric and Ryan. To celebrate Helen's life and honor her legacy a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 10am in The Church of the Good Shepherd, 315 Highland Terrace, Pitman, NJ 08071 where she was baptized and married. She will be interred at the family gravesite in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 1 Church Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMRS.org-Donate) 875 N. Randolph St. Suite 225, Attn: Development, Arlington, Virginia 22203 in honor of Helen S. Brown.