Dona Marie Brown

Dona Marie Landis Brown, age 82, of Irving, TX, passed away on March 29, 2024, in Dallas. She was born on May 28, 1941 in Boyertown, PA. She grew up in Boyertown, graduating from the Boyertown Area High School before attending Reading Hospital School of Nursing. Her nursing career spanned nearly 30 years in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. On April 29, 1966, she married Frederick Brown, the love of her life, who affectionately referred to her as “Brownie.” They were a symbol of love and affection for one another and for everyone they encountered. Their loyalty to one another is inspirational, and their love and happiness were infectious. Together they shared nearly 58 years of marriage.

Dona was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and nurse who was known for her kindness and generosity. There was never a time she didn’t have time, a smile, a gift, an idea, or a listening ear. She bravely fought and overcame cancer, living on for 30+ years and inspiring those around her.

Dona is survived by her loving husband, Frederick Brown of Irving, TX, and her sister Priscilla (John) Duman of Niles, MI. She was preceded in death by her father Daniel B. Landis, mother Charlotte R. Landis, brother D. Craig (Ann) Landis, nephew Marc Landis, mother-in-law Mabel Brown, father-in-law Arthur Brown, and brother-in-law Ted (Rose) Brown.

She was a cherished aunt to five nieces, three nephews, four great-nieces, seven great-nephews, as well as two great-great-nephews and a great-great-niece. Known as the “Queen of Sprinkles,” she had a passion for shopping for, wrapping, and giving gifts, which often included Cheryl’s Cookies, Fairy Tale Brownies, Wilbur Buds, and chocolate bunnies. She hand-decorated bedazzled wedding reception sneakers for many brides. Dona never missed a birthday or holiday, even making sure that this year’s Easter gifts were packaged in her final hours. She loved to play Uno, canasta, and crokinole and taught all her nieces to polish their nails. Dona was also an avid lover of Disney, a collector of bunny rabbits, and a devoted, life-long Eagles’ fan, often breaking into song “Fly, Eagles Fly.” She made many trips to Philadelphia where she and Fred had season tickets. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of American Figure Skating, attending many U.S. Figure Skating Championships and consistently watching competitions at home when she could not be there in person.

Dona was a dedicated attendee of her nephew's church, Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church in Michigan, where she had been participating in online services. She found solace and community in her faith, never missing a service since "zoom church" began in March 2020.

At Dona’s request, there will be no public memorial service. She will be laid to rest at the Charles Baber Garden Cemetery in Pottsville, PA. Arrangements have been made through Dignity Memorial J.E. Foust and Sons Grapevine, TX. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 4, Edwardsburg, MI, 49112, to the Salvation Army, 5302 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75235, or to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, 4707 Bengal St., Dallas, TX, 75235 in memory of Dona Marie Landis Brown. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.