Anne C. Brown

Anne C. Brown (1931-2014) Anne C. Brown was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 23, 1931 to Irish immigrants, Ann and Michael Farrell Sr. It was there she spent her formative years as a city girl where she eventually met her lifelong friend, Rita Boyd, and her husband of 45 years, Ron Brown. Anne and Ron met at a Philadelphia USO Club while Ron served in the Navy. Their courtship lasted about one year during which time they corresponded by letters while Ron travelled the world. They fell in love with one another and were married on May 23, 1953. Together, Ron and Anne had four children: Patrick (b. 1954), Valerie (b. 1956), Theresa (b. 1958) and Laura (b. 1962). In the spring of 1965, the family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin where Ron worked as sales manager for Bob Johnson Chevrolet. Anne devoted much of her time to her family, her garden, and her volunteer work in Wausau. She was an accomplished artist and a great friend to many. Her enthusiasm for life was expressed in everything she did and said, and she will be remembered mostly for her ability to speak her mind on any given topic. Anne was a unique individual whose courage, even to her last breath, remained vividly alive. Anne prided herself on being a stay-at-home mom during her children's school years when she took up sewing, quilting, and gardening. She hosted many get-togethers at their home, and over the course of their lives, made several lifelong friends who each found common ground in life's simplest pleasures. As her children grew older, Anne found herself drawn to the art world and to volunteer work. Anne's societal contributions, recognitions, and awards were numerous. In the art world, Anne served as President of the Wausau Women's Club (1978-80), President of the Wisconsin Valley Art Association (1994-96), Chair for Student Art Exhibits and Wisconsin Regional Artists Association at the University of Wisconsin Marathon Campus. Anne's love for community and art led her to serve for ten years as Hostess Chair for the Wausau Festival of Arts now in its 50th year. For ten years, Anne also served as a docent for the Leigh Yawkey Woodsen Art Museum where she led guided tours and served as guest artist who demonstrated painting techniques. Anne was a charter member of the Wausau Area Junior Women's Club and the Metro Club. After the death of her husband in 1998, Anne continued to serve the Wausau community when she was appointed a five-year term as member for Wausau's Police and Fire Commission, a service she found engaging and rewarding. Anne is survived by her four children: Patrick (Jake) Brown), Valerie Brown, Theresa (Ted) Slaman, and Laura Brown; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Anne's sister, Mary Sessa (Frank Sessa) also survives. Family members wish to express their deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Noon, Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 2nd St, Wausau. The Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. A full obituary can be read at www.petersonkraemer.com.