Ruth Theresa Brown

Ruth Theresa Brown, a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved daughter of John and Wera Cavanagh, both predeceased, and was predeceased by her siblings Johnny Cavanaugh, Charlie Cavanaugh, Dorothy Finn, and Vera Arndt.

Ruth was the devoted mother of Allison Conklin of Stony Point, New York; her cherished son Douglas Brown, who predeceased her; Dennis Brown of Stony Point, New York; and David Brown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was a loving mother-in-law to Robert Conklin of Nanuet, New York, and Tami Brown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Her greatest joy in life was being “Nana” and “Grandma.” She was the proud “Nana” of Tyler Douglas Conklin, U.S. Navy, of Stony Point, New York, and the loving “Grandma” of Taylor Brown of Middletown, New York; Douglas Brown of Kingwood, Texas; and Alyssa , Lauryn , Vanessa, and Christina Brown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She felt very blessed to have so many grandkids. She loved them with all her heart and cherished every moment spent with them.

Ruth was also a devoted and loving aunt. She is survived by her dear nieces and nephews: Butch Arndt of Cape Coral, Florida; Gregory Arndt of Bracey, Virginia; Kathy and Mike Jezewski of Long Island, New York; Johnny Finn of Kentucky; Johnny Cavanaugh of Long Island, New York; Valerie Abeyta of Petaluma, California; and Sharon Molnar of New Jersey. She was predeceased by her nephew Richard Arndt. She held a special place in her heart for her extended family and remained closely connected throughout her life.

Ruth was a dedicated administrative assistant for many years, but her life’s true calling was being a mother. She devoted herself fully to her children — hosting sleepovers, taking them to cheerleading practices, soccer games, skiing trips, dirt-biking adventures, and more. She created lasting family memories through vacations and especially treasured horseback riding trips at Ridin-Hy Ranch. She embraced every opportunity to support, encourage, and celebrate her children.

After the heartbreaking loss of her son Douglas, Ruth became an active member of “Compassionate Friends”, a support organization for parents and siblings who have lost children or family members. Through this community, she found comfort while also offering strength and understanding to others walking the same painful path.

She loved music — especially Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” a song that perfectly reflected how she lived her life. Ruth truly did things her way, with strength, grace, and determination. She loved to dance, enjoyed neighborhood block parties, and treasured vacations shared with neighbors and their children. She was also an avid fan of the Yankees and enjoyed watching many games over the years. Her warmth, energy, and generosity of spirit brought people together and always made for a joyful and memorable time.

A devoted Catholic, Ruth raised her family in the faith and attended Mass faithfully every Sunday, even in her later years. Ruth had an enormous heart. She was quick to forgive, generous with her love, and always ready to offer support to anyone in need. She loved animals and had many beloved pets over the years.

She will be laid to rest beside her beloved son Douglas at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ruth’s memory to ASPCA, reflecting her lifelong love for animals.

Ruth was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed. More than anything in this world, she loved her children and grandchildren — they were her pride, her purpose, and her greatest blessing, and through them her memory will live on.