Mrs. Mary L. Brown

Mary “Mae” (Gemme) Brown, 89, of Hartford and former long-time resident of East Hartford, died peacefully on Friday, August 20, 2010. Born January 18,1921 in Hartford to the late Emmet and Mary (Hannon) Gemme, she was the mother of Kathleen Zura and her husband Wayne, and Thomas Brown; grandmother of Benjamin, Shaina, and Daniel Zura; sister of Robert Gemme; aunt of many nieces and nephews; and a friend to all.

Mae was predeceased by three brothers Emmet, Raymond, and Francis Gemme; and a sister Marjorie Flaherty. Mary worked for decades in the machine shops of Pratt & Whitney, the perfect setting for a woman of her strength and fearlessness. At 59, Mary returned to school and earned a G.E.D. in order to teach Special Education. Later, she made a new home at The Retreat in Hartford, where she could usually be found watching UCONN women’s basketball with her great friend, Gert McCabe. Despite great personal tragedy and loss, Mary lived a life of selfless dedication to family and to her community. She gave tirelessly of herself to ensure that the next generation of her family understood the simple power of love and hard work to navigate both the stunning beauty and seeming hopelessness of everyday life. This is how Mary made her way through the world, and this is what she taught us. Mary and her family are grateful to the staff of the Retreat, of Hartford Hospital, and of Middlesex Hospice for the kindness of their care.

Calling Hours will be Tuesday, August 24 from 5-8 pm at the Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford. A Memorial Mass celebrating Mae’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 10 am, at St Mary Church, 15 Maplewood Rd, East Hartford. Memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to East Catholic High School.