AUBURN: Leona (Thornton) Brown, 88, of Auburn entered eternal life on January 2, 2019. She was born in Springfield, ME on April 5, 1930 a daughter of the late Walter E. and Ethel (Moores) Thornton. While growing up there, she attended Lee Academy.
When Leona was 15 years old, she met Rex I. Brown, Jr. at the Springfield Fair where they shared a dance together that night that would continue for 64 wonderful years. They were married on June 12, 1948 in Lincoln, ME. East Millinocket is where they raised their family. Leona dedicated much of her time to taking care of and tending to the needs of her family and the household.
Leona was an active member of the First Congregational Church, U.C.C. where she was a Deaconess and Sunday School Teacher. In 1973 Leona became actively involved in genealogy and it became her life passion. She published many books, including The History of Springfield, ME. On June 12 1998, their 50th Anniversary, they renewed their vows in Springfield. In 2004 after the birth of their great-granddaughter, Gianna, they moved to Auburn where they could spend more time with their family.
She will be deeply missed by many. Leona is survived by her children, Cheryl E. Brown, Rex Barry Brown, Scott G. Brown and his wife, B.J. and Arlen W. Brown and his husband, Fred. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Diane Drake and her husband Paul, her 3 grandchildren, Christopher and his wife Sarah, Lauren Smith and her husband Daniel and Michael, her 7 great-grandchildren, Gianna, Micah, Andy, Lilly, Benjamin Rex, Mattison and Owen and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rex I. Brown in 2012, her son, Darryll M. Brown in 2011 and her sister, Priscilla T. Tozier.
Visitation will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Sunday January 6, 2019 from 1-2pm followed by a Celebration of Her Life at 2pm also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at The Corner Cemetery in Springfield in the spring. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Leona's memory to the Springfield Congregational Church 969 Lee Rd. Springfield, ME 04487.
Condolences and memories may be shared with Leona's family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
