Mary Gwendoline Brown

Mary G. Ayers Brown 99 passed away on July 4, 2016 at Alexandria Hospital. She was born in England, and is survived by her niece Susan Brooker and husband Stephen, a nephew David Garrett and wife Rosie, three great nieces, Emily, Elspeth, and Esme and a great great nephew and niece, all residing in England. Her twin sister Joan Garrett preceded her in death in 2009.

She received her nursing diploma from Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and a certificate in Part 1 Midwifery from The Middlesex Hospital, London. After coming to the United States, she continued her profession at The Doctor’s Hospital, Washington, DC, for 11 years. In 1961 she accepted a position at then The Fairfax Hospital, Virginia, where she opened the Obstetrical Department and worked for twenty three years as Director of OB-GYN and Outpatient Nursing. She was a member of the American College of OB-GYN Nursing, and held offices in the Virginia section of this organization. In 1982 she was recognized by the Virginia Nurses Association for her outstanding contribution to nursing.

She was an active and long time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2430 K Street, NW, Washington, DC and was a Vestry member for one term and also served in the capacity of Senior Warden for one year. She was later appointed Directress of the Altar Guild, and served this role for eleven years. She was also a volunteer in the Chaplainry service at George Washington University Hospital since 1986.

Mary’s body will be received at St Paul’s Episcopal Church K Street NW, Washington, DC, on Friday 29th July at 7:30 PM. A Requiem Mass will be held at St Paul’s the following day, Saturday 30th July at 3 PM. Burial will be in the Columbarium of St Paul’s September 17, 2016.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The National Federation for the Blind or the Printing House for the Blind.