Betty 'Annie' Brown

Betty "Annie" Brown, a beloved member of her community and devoted friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of honesty, warmth, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Annie attended Plainview High School in Long Island, NY. She earned a bachelor's degree in American Studies from the University of Michigan, followed by a graduate degree in Community Planning from the University of Maine. During these years, she formed lifelong friendships, including with her dearest friends Beau Vallance and Susan Berliner.

Annie was employed by the town of Orono's finance department, where she spent many fulfilling years. Her dedication and integrity left a lasting impact. During her time there, she formed dear friendships with colleagues, including Rick Sands and Wanda Thomas, and community members Fran Griffin, and the Dodge family.

Annie found joy in the simple pleasures of life-weekly visits to the library, where she explored her love of books; listening to The Beatles; and attending St. John's Catholic Church, where she found spiritual community and connection. Her life was rich with meaningful relationships and quiet moments that spoke volumes.

Annie had a heart for all living things and took special care of the animals she considered her friends. Whether contributing to the protection of elephants or supporting oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay, her compassion extended far and wide. Her two beloved cats, Fiona and Lucas, will miss her greatly. She was especially grateful to her kindhearted neighbors, Vern and Verna, for caring for her kitties while she was in the hospital.

Annie loved her family deeply and held her connections close to her heart. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Peter and Mary Brown; and her brother, David. She is survived by her brother, Richard Brown and his wife, Susan, of Williamsville, NY; and cousins.

Among the many special people in her life, Annie shared a truly unique and enduring bond with her adopted nephew, Benjamin Dodge. From the moment Benjamin was born in 2002, their lives became beautifully intertwined. Over the years, they built a world together filled with, joyful "jama" movie nights, shared ice cream, and long conversations about books and life.

Annie's memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. That is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A funeral mass will be held at St. John's Catholic Church on Monday, April 14th at 10 AM in Bangor. The mass will be live-streamed http://www.stpaulbangor.me/