Mary Elizabeth Brown

August 6, 1943 – September 11, 2025

Mary “Betty” Elizabeth Townsend Brown, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 6, 1943, to Aubrey Howard Townsend and Mary Louise Townsend (Madden), Mary “Betty” grew up in Brooklyn and New Jersey with her brother, James, and sister, Doris. After the passing of her mother when she was only 9, she was lovingly cared for by her grandfather until she made her way west to Los Angeles, where she was adopted by a wonderful family.

It was there, while waiting at a bus stop, that fate introduced her to the love of her life, Carl Eugene Brown Jr. The two married on October 4, 1962, beginning a journey filled with adventure, humor, and deep devotion. Together, they raised four children: Carl III, Linda Ann, James “Jimmy,” and David Eugene.

Betty and Carl built their life in Bassett, California, where they became the heartbeat of their community. Her home was always open, her heart always giving, and her door always welcoming. Later, they purchased their dream home at Lake Henshaw, where countless memories were made fishing, swimming, and gathering as a family.

Though Betty faced unimaginable losses — the passing of her sons Jimmy, Carl III, and David, as well as her beloved husband Carl — she carried herself with unwavering faith, resilience, and love. She was a two-time cancer survivor, a true fighter whose strength inspired everyone around her.

She was lovingly known as “Granny” or “GiGi” to her grandchildren — Eden Marie, James Evan, “Flaco” , Renessa Eve, Amanda Elizabeth, and Alli Guillerma — plus bonus grand children: Manuel, Sandra, Nicholas, Ricky, Michelle, and Andrew and was blessed with twenty great-grandchildren: Samuel, Carlie, Mia, Jayden, Emma, Matthew, Yasmani, Joshua James, Little Angel, Cesar, Addy, Kaleb, Kodi, Liam, Lola, Luna, Fox, Sevenn, and Gia. Each one brought her endless joy and pride.

In her later years, Betty enjoyed living with family, traveling, cheering at her grandchildren’s sports games, trips to Disneyland, shopping adventures at Target and HomeGoods, and her daily Starbucks and blueberry muffin. She loved life’s simple joys and treasured every moment spent with those she loved.

Mary “Betty” Brown will be remembered for her warmth, humor, fierce resilience, and unshakable love for her family. She was the heart of her family, the glue that held generations together, and her legacy will live on in the lives of all who loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Ann; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; and countless extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother James and sister Doris, her husband Carl Jr., and her sons Carl III, Jimmy, and David.