Sarah Gilda Brown

Born to Dr. Herman and Mary (Diehl) Gilda on April 16, 1938, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Sarah led a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to her family, friends, and the pursuits she loved. She attended Westtown Friends School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and later graduated from Wellesley College as a proud member of the Class of 1960.

In 1960, Sarah married her greatest love, Douglas Coffin Brown, and together they shared 47 years of marriage and were inseparable until his untimely passing in 2007. In her early years as the wife of a naval officer, she lived in Coronado, CA, and had the opportunity to travel extensively in Asia. Travelling remained an important part of her life as she and her husband enjoyed adventures to places such as the Amazon, Italy, and the River Nile.

Her interests were many but, in all things, gardening she was magnificent. Flowers were her passion and her garden spectacular. She was an accomplished cook and was early to Italian cuisine having travelled often to Italy with Doug on business. Entertaining at her home came easily to her and she loved having guests at the house she and Doug built together.

She was the President of Prospect Park Press in Chesterfield until her retirement in 2005, receiving industry-wide recognition. She was also involved in the Monadnock Garden Club, the United Church of Christ Women’s Fellowship, and the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery.

Sarah is survived by her two sons, Douglas McKinnon Brown and his wife Monica of Keene and Daniel Gordon Brown of Swanzey, as well as grandchildren Ivy Taylor of Ventura CA, Emily Brown of Amherst, MA, Joanna Brown of Brooklyn, NY, and Tucker Brown of Keene, NH. She is survived by one great grandchild, Henry Taylor. She was predeceased by her husband Doug and her son, Dixon Coffin Brown.

Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, January 8th from 5-7 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St., Keene. A Memorial Service will be held for Mrs. Brown on Friday, January 9th at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mrs. Brown’s memory to a charity of your choice.