Mary " Arlene" Brown

Mary "Arlene" Brown, died peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home, where she had been lovingly cared for the past few months. She was born on March 8, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN where she lived until she was eight. At that time, her stepfather (the only father she ever knew) was transferred to St. Louis, MO, so they moved there for a year. Arlene was very close to her grandmother and missed her dearly during that time. The family relocated to Fort Wayne where she lived the remainder of her life. She met her husband Robert (Bob) Brown (who preceded her in death in 2003) in a bookkeeping class at South Side High School and married at the young age of 18 on May 5, 1956. Arlene gave birth to their first child Greg in 1959, added Mark in 1961 and completed their family with daughter, Tami in 1962. When all the children were in school, Arlene decided to use her exceptional typing and shorthand skills to get a job as a secretary at Indiana Insurance Co. Her desire was to help provide for the family to avoid the poverty that both Bob and Arlene knew growing up. She eventually was promoted to a Claims Adjuster, retiring from the company in her mid-fifties. Arlene and Bob purchased a lake cottage in 1965 at Sylvan Lake, which was a lifetime passion for her. She spent many summer weekends and vacations with family and friends enjoying that lake and making many great memories. There was a small nine-hole golf course near the cottage, and she enjoyed many rounds with the family. Arlene was able to live the last few years of her life with her son, Greg at the lake home. She loved sitting in her chair watching the activity in her many bird and squirrel feeders and enjoying her love of reading. Arlene was also an avid bowler in leagues at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where she was a long-time member of the ladies’ auxiliary. Arlene was a very generous person almost to a fault. She would often sacrifice her wishes and desires for the people in her life that she loved. She was the glue that held the young family together when Bob would travel to South America for lengthy business trips. She loved the many pets they had over the years, the most recent being her devoted mutt Charlie, who passed earlier this year. Arlene will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. All the great memories will be cherished. She is survived by her sons, Greg of Rome City, IN and Mark (Tonya) of Fort Wayne,IN; daughter, Tami (Jeffrey) Witte of Fort Wayne, IN; six grandchildren, Ashley Dennis, Aaron Brown, Derek and Ross Brown, and Jerod and Adam Witte; four great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Donna) Smith of Enum Claw, WA; sisters, Linda McCormick and Betsy (Dave) Loubier; and her sister-in-law, Donna (Roy) Chapman all of Fort Wayne. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Doris and Charles Smith. Cremation services will be provided by D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes- Foster Park, with a Celebration of Life gathering to be held at a later date. Preferred memorials are to Heartland Hospice who provided care and comfort, making it possible for Arlene to be with those who loved her.