Brown

Rosemary L. Brown, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and devoted friend, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

A resident of Valencia, formerly Gibsonia, she was born in Homewood, Ill., on May 22, 1934, daughter of the late Hildegarde (Herrmann) and William S. Ohnemus.

She was the beloved wife for 69 years of the late John R. Brown, the two jitterbugged their way through life, standing strong and making wonderful memories together.

She was the loving mother of Julie (Vic) Cerra, Kathy (David Goldstein) Brown, Peggy (Pete) Hudac, Tim Brown, Maureen (Dan) Razum, Sheila (Mark) Thomas, Bridget (John) Lane, and the late John W. Brown; sister of the late William (surviving Patti) Ohnemus; and dear grandmother of Liz, Emily, Mike, Carrie, Nicole, Jessica, John A., Josh, Nate, Owen, Coby, Megan, Tara, Jesse, Curt, Molly, Olivia, Diana, Riley, McKenna and Mason. She is also survived by 20 cherished great-grandchildren; by much-loved nieces and nephews; and her loyal canine companion, Dixie.

Growing up near Chicago, Rosemary spent much of her active childhood outside tending to the family vegetable garden and the chickens with her mother; activities that became lifelong passions. Always on the go, Rosemary enjoyed performing in plays, tennis, tap dancing and cheerleading at Bloom High School, where she met the love of her life, John.

She continued her education, earning her RN degree at the Evanston Hospital School of Nursing in June of 1955. Soon after, Rosemary and John married, making northern Indiana their home, where Rosemary began her pediatric nursing career. Their family quickly grew to seven children and they moved to a small farm where Ro’s passion for gardening flourished with a fruit orchard, large vegetable garden, chickens and sheep. From there they relocated to East Tennessee, building their dream home and adding their eighth child to complete their brood. In 1976, Ro and John established a new home base in Gibsonia.

Her faith, family and community were of utmost importance to her. Known for her generosity, quick wit and helpful nature, Rosemary was a lifelong volunteer serving in multiple areas. She was active in several parish ministries, many community groups and services, and was always there to help a friend in need. She was also a loyal supporter of her grandchildren’s activities. She was often found in the stands and audience at many games and performances. Visits and artwork from her great-grandchildren brought her much joy and happiness.

Rosemary enjoyed traveling, cheering on the Fighting Irish and was a wonderful cook. She was very intelligent, superb at problem solving and could rival the best in a crossword puzzle or while watching “Jeopardy!” She appreciated new adventures, such as opening one of the first resale shops in the area, The Pennyworth Shop, and opportunities to learn.

Rosemary will be deeply missed by family and friends.

BROWN — A Mass of Christian burial for Rosemary L. Brown, who died Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Holy Sepulcher Church, Butler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, guidedogsofamerica.org, or The Lighthouse Foundation, www.thelighthousepa.org.

Arrangements by SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, Bakerstown.

Please offer condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.