Dorothy Brown

Dorothy R. Brown, age 94, of Barto Pa. passed away peacefully in her home about 9am 3/15/24. She was born on 3/28/29. She was the daughter of David J. Rosser and Dorothy (Jobin) Rosser, of Allentown. (both deceased).

She attended Allentown H.S. and was a majorette and a tumbler. She was a ballerina and taught dance. She won a beauty pageant at Muhlenberg and was crowned by Tommy Dorsey! She held the title Miss Allentown 1948 & 1949. She also was runner-up to Miss Pennsylvania. She entertained troops during the war. She won a beauty contest, Miss Semper Fidelis. She was designated a “Rising Star” in the Walmarettes instructed by Walter Marsh in Allentown. She ran a dance studio, unfortunately after a time there was a fire and the studio burnt down.

She attended Cedar Crest College and studied Biology. She continued at Sacred Heart Hospital Medical Technology Internship receiving a B.S. in Medical Technology too, with an ASCP Certification. She began working there upon graduation, where she met and eventually married Hugh E. Brown in 1952. After a couple of Allentown homes, in 1962 they moved to Bally with her husband and a young family. For a while the Dr.’s office was at the front of the house. That is until Doc Brown joined Bally Medical Group and Mom served as an answering service too. In 1967 to her delight they moved to Barto, on an 8 & ½ acre homestead with the Perkiomen creek running through it. Eventually an acre of it would go toward an organic garden! A great place to raise 5 children.

Joining MBS Parish in the early 60’s she would be a parishioner of 60 years. Many long-time friendships were carved out there and the surrounding Bally, Barto areas and remained precious her whole life. She also would carpool parishioners to church in her 80’s. Her Mom brought her to the catholic faith, which stemmed from an Irish stepmother that her Grandpop married after the death of his 1st wife from New Orleans. Mom loved Jesus in the Eucharist, Adoration, her rosary and divine mercy chaplet, was a Eucharistic minister, a CCD teacher, in the charismatic prayer group, an MBS tour guide. Padre Pio Shrine helper, and avid reader of the lives of the saints, esp. St. Ann, St. Mary, St. Padre Pio, and more recently St. Faustina.

I believe a 50 yr. straight voting record that she was awarded in Berks County was very important to her, and it wasn’t broken. Mom was an amazing woman with a zest for life! She had many hobbies with learning being # 1. She cared for animals of all kinds, either keeping them or finding a home. She was a lifeguard at Pottstown YMCA, took boating classes and learned to sail, she began organic farming producing many wonders from her garden. Her Dad loved gardening, and Mom inherited the green thumb. She worked with Rodale to plant their seeds and report back. She loved planting, harvesting, canning, working outside, flowers of all colors and varieties, and loved watching birds. She sewed for years and was a great cook plus the best maker of homemade Nanny bread with homemade jelly, not to mention playing with a lot of kids and grandkids! Being a Grandmom, Grammy and GG was the last part of her very full life. We will always miss your beautiful smile and the threat of an April fool’s joke! Yes, we needed her through those yrs. She was the last of her generation and the reigning matriarch. She was and we were all blessed, and all her many great caregivers too! We love you!

She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Hugh E. Brown of Barto PA, daughter Teresa B. Groves (Arthur) of Phillipsburg NJ, brother David J. Rosser (Helga) of Fallbrook CA, grandson Thomas C. Miller of Pennsburg PA she is survived by her children, Eileen B. Park (William E. Jr.) of Philadelphia PA, Michael D. Brown of Barto PA, Joanne M. Miller (Thomas P.) of Pennsburg PA, William E. Brown of St Petersburg FL, plus her many nieces and nephews, her grandchildren, Tricia (Stephen), Pamela, Arthur (Luisa), Holly (Tristan), Sarah (AJ), Devon, Daniel (Danielle), William, Jackie, Candie, (Michael), her great grandchildren, Alex, Eve, Quin, Collin, Masimo, Lucas, Lilly, Vivienne, Caslon, Slate, Asher, Wyatt, Elowyn, Griffin, Declan, Alora, her great great grandchildren, Lyla.

A Memorial Mass will be held on:

Saturday April 13, 2024

Most Blessed Sacrament Church

610 Pine Street, Bally PA 19503

10:00am Visitation in the church prior to the Mass.

11:00am Memorial Mass

Interment will be held immediately following, across the street in the cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/pennsylvania/boyertown/linwood-w-ott-funeral-home-inc/4249

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to Most Blessed Sacrament Church.