HOULTON - Irene R. Brown, 93 years young, also known as Reeney, Mom, Grammy Brown, and GB, passed peacefully Saturday morning, November 12th surrounded by love and family.

Irene, the older sister of five siblings, grew up in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. After graduating from High School, Irene married the love of her life, Austin “Brownie” Brown and moved to northern Maine. Austin found employment with the Maine Forestry Service manning the fire watch tower on Daisy Mountain and the two lived in a cabin, deep in the woods in wedded and wooded bliss – so the story goes.

After a few years, they moved to Weston where Austin continued spotting fires from the Peek-a-boo Mountain tower and became Mr. fix it for home and camp owners throughout the area. They bought a little white house on 10 acres and Irene began collecting friends as easily and joyfully as she collected wildflowers. Her favorites were May Flowers, but a plucked dandelion offered by a child would as easily bring her great joy. As for her favorite friend – she was known to joke – “it’s the one standing in front of me.” (The same response she would give to her children and grandchildren when they would press for her preference.) Brownie became well known for playing guitar, the harmonica and singing at local gatherings – often closing the evening festivities with a rendition of “Good Night Irene”.

Their family grew to include four children, Linda, Susan, Beverley, and Bradley who then became the center of Irene’s world. During those years – which Irene would later describe as her “real golden years” she was well known for her love of being on the go with friends, for being an ever-present East Grand sports fan, for her spaghetti sauce (the recipe is still being passed on) and for always welcoming and extra plate (or 2 or 3) to the dinner table.

Irene moved gracefully from Mom to Grammy Brown, and nothing gave her more joy than being a part of her grand and great grandchildren’s lives.

Irene’s life wasn’t without tragedy – she lost her daughter Linda when Linda was just shy of her 25th birthday and Brownie when he was just 65. She found solace in friends and family and continued living fully with faith that each day can bring happiness.

Perhaps the single quality that would define Irene is kindness – given unconditionally to anyone and everyone. To remember and honor Irene (Reeney, Mom, Grammy Brown, GB) would you please offer an act of kindness – and be open to feeling her joy each and every time.

Please join Irene’s family in a celebration of her life scheduled for Friday, December 2nd at 3 PM at Bower’s Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, ME. To share condolences and memories online visit www.bowersfuneral.com