Margaret Agatha Brown

Virginia Beach – Margaret “Marge” Brown, 84, passed away August 12, 2010 following a long illness. She was born in Evanston, Illinois on July 2, 1926 to Hazel and Joe Fritz. She was married to her beloved husband Al Brown for 44 years before his death in 1993. She was also predeceased by her older brother Gene Fritz and his wife Esther. She is survived by a daughter Barbara Kelly and husband Chris of Virginia Beach, sons Alan Brown and wife Marty of Virginia Beach, and Robert Brown and wife Donna of Suffolk; grandchildren Megan Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Jr., and Michelle Brown, all of Virginia Beach. Margaret also leaves behind a loving extended family including her cousins John and Irene Nielson of Redding California, many beloved in-laws, and many faithful and affectionate nieces and nephews .

Margaret attended Northwestern University before marrying Al in August 1949. In 1956 they left the cold winters of Park Ridge and moved to the tropical climate of Florida's East Coast. In 1966 Margaret and Al, along with their three children, moved to Virginia Beach. Margaret then returned to college, completing her Education Degree at Old Dominion University in 1969. She taught first and third grade at Kingston Elementary School for 18 years before her retirement in 1988. After Al’s death in 1993 Margaret continued to live in Virginia Beach. However she returned periodically to Florida where she always felt at home.

Margaret was an accomplished musician. In Jr. High she took up the viola, an instrument that she played religiously until January of this year. Starting at the age of fourteen she played quartets with friends, returning to the Chicago area for reunions with her original music partners. Margaret enjoyed membership in the Thoroughgood Music Club for many years. In addition to chamber groups, she played with numerous orchestras including the Brevard County (Florida) Orchestra, the Virginia Beach Community Orchestra, the Virginia Beach Pops, Symphonicity, the Richie (Florida) Community Orchestra, and the Worship Orchestra of First Baptist Church of Norfolk.

Margaret loved travel. After retirement her first trip was to Nepal. She later visited England, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Mexico, Canada and Bermuda. She frequently participated in Elder Hostels and enjoyed many cruises to a variety of ports. She was a wonderful example to her children of living life to its’ fullest and her presence will be very much missed.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Norfolk. Donations may be made in honor of Margaret Brown to Symphonicity - The Symphony of Virginia Beach or to The Thoroughgood Music Club. You may pay condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com