Nadine E. Brown

Born to +Michael and +Natalie Eskoff on January 17, 1947 in Binghamton NY, she is survived by immediate family: sister Natalie (Fr. Ken) Stavrevsky, niece Victoria Stavrevsky, and great-niece Layla Natalie Cole. Interment will be at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan PA, beside her deceased husband, Father Thomas Brown.

Nadine was born and raised from infancy to love God, the Orthodox Christian Church, and music. These lifelong devotions shaped her life and hope in Christ’s resurrection. She pursued a life in musical education at SUNY Potsdam’s noted Crane School of Music while launching a ministry in becoming a master liturgical choir director. Beginning her music education career in Kings Park Long Island, New York, completing a full career to retirement, she simultaneously conducted the large choir at Holy Trinity Church in East Meadow NY. Also while living on Long Island, she completed her Masters degree in musicology from CW Post (LIU) and she attended and graduated from Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood NY) with a focus in Liturgical Music. In addition to her many activities in religious and music education, she served as both “cook and choir director” at Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Camp in Jewell NY.

Following her marriage to Father Thomas Brown and his ordination to the priesthood, their collaborative ministry together led them to the Midwest where they found a pastoral family outside of Gary IN at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church. Matushka Nadine conducted the choir, labored with various church organizations, educated children, and continued her vocation in the Indiana educational system. Becoming accredited in public school administration, she then enjoyed her work as a high school administrator, a position from which she reached full retirement.

The sudden passing of Father Thomas in 1991 found Nadine in the consoling hearts of their parishioners. Her several years in the parish following her loss were marked by a vibrant music ministry and parish involvement. Eventually, she relocated to be with her immediate family in Rochester NY. There she again rooted herself in the church (Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church) where her sister, Natalie, is Matushka and Natalie’s husband, Fr. Ken, is pastor. Conducting the choir as needed, in every way she was generous and supportive of parish ministries. Her presence was especially precious to great-niece Layla and her niece, Victoria.

Matushka Nadine now joins the heavenly chorus and, if the past predicts eternity, her voice resounds with faith, love, and joy. May her Memory be Eternal!