Abigail Mason Browne

Abby Browne, 77, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2021, at Mass General Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Born in Boston on December 17, 1943, a few blocks from the Public Garden, she spent the next fifty years raising her family in the city she loved, devoting her professional and personal time to community affairs, and advocating for children. Abby was a seventh-generation direct descendant of Abigail and John Adams, the only daughter of Henry L. and Fanny C. (Homans) Mason, also of Boston, and the granddaughter of Abigail Adams Homans, a lifelong resident of Boston.

Like her grandmother, Abby was a major force during her lifetime—as all that knew her keenly appreciated. Her professional career was dedicated to advocating for children in all aspects of their lives. She was an elected member of the Boston School Committee from the mid-1980s to early 1990s—a frequently tumultuous period—and was an outspoken critic of “business as usual” politics. Tireless in her efforts, she relentlessly fought racial segregation in the Boston Public School system. She was a staunch and early supporter of the present system whereby school committee members are appointed, not elected, stating, “there were too few elected politicians willing to put their own ambitions aside— and Boston’s public school children suffered as a consequence.”

Her interest in education and helping students began at an early age. She graduated from the Westover School in Middlebury, CT, and was a proud and active alumna, having served on the school’s board of advisors. She considered it her second home. Throughout her life she indicated that her high school experience was a pivotal moment in her own growth and development.

Abby, who was actively involved in a variety of children’s charities, including the Mass Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), began her professional career at the Assabet School in Marlborough in the early 1980s. She then went on to serve as a legislative aide to former Boston City Councilor Rosemarie Sansone, before running for a seat on the Boston School Committee where, upon her election, she represented Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, Fenway and Mission Hill. After the School Committee transitioned to its current system of appointed members, she became a paralegal at the law firm of Parker, Coulter, Daley and White.

Upon retiring she continued to focus her time on issues involving children, including advocating for the prevention of physical and mental abuse of young children. She was guardian ad litem as well as a hospice volunteer.

During her later years she spent much of her time with her family and especially her two granddaughters. A lifelong avid reader, Abby spent hours reading to them, teaching them the importance of literacy and bestowing upon them an immense enjoyment of books.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Alfred L. Browne, Jr., her loving daughter, Priscilla Browne of Manchester-by-the Sea, her loving son, Alfred Browne III, her daughter-in-law, Catherine Browne of Newton, two adored grandchildren, Ashley and Hillary Browne, her sister-in-law, Barbara, her niece, Abby Buccella, and many cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Henry and the Honorable John Mason, and her grandson Charles Sweetnam Browne.

Abby, who had numerous interests, took special joy from her many trips to her beloved Scotland, adventures with her family on the North Shore, and rescuing and raising many dogs and cats. Her greatest passion was learning as much as she could about the British Monarchy—especially the Queen!

For everyone she touched, or was ever in her presence, Abby was unforgettable. Her voice and laughter will always be remembered. If she “had your back,” then you were blessed with one fiercely loyal and devoted friend, one who knew no boundaries when it came to fighting for what she believed was right, or protecting someone who was in need.

Funeral services and burial are private, with arrangements by J.S. Waterman-Langone Chapel, 580 Commercial Street, Boston, MA. 02109. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.watermanboston.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westover School by visiting https://www.westoverschool.org/support/westover-fund