Obituary of Vera L. Brown

Warrensburg: Vera Brown, 93 of Schroon River Rd., passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday October 5, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. Vera was born December 2, 1917 in Boston to Oscar and Wilma (Sarin) Kalley. Following her early childhood in Brooklyn and Floral Park, Long Island she earned her bachelor’s degree from Adelphi in ancient history with a minor in religion and extensive studies in Latin, Greek, Spanish and Italian. She planned to teach in Syria, but World War II started and she joined the Special Services Division of the Women’s Army Corps as a Captain and served in the European theatre in Italy, Morocco and Egypt. Following the war she obtained her Master’s degree in teaching at Columbia University. She worked in advertising and pursued graduate studies at New York University and taught Arthur Murray dancing before marrying Arthur Brown of Warrensburg and moving north. She taught at Warrensburg Central School for over 37 years primarily as a third grade teacher. Vera continued her lifelong love of education with continuing education at Adirondack Community College and Plattsburgh until her late 70’s. She passed on her love of travel, books, and learning to her children and those she touched in her years of teaching. She always found a way to make each student feel special with special awards and attention for those who were going through difficult times or who were not top achievers. Her family always came first and she always welcomed everyone to her home who needed help – two or four legged, so the house was always full of friends, family and animals. Vera is survived by her husband of 64 years, Arthur Brown and her children Mark Brown and wife Charlise of Warrensburg, Judy Caswell and husband Rick of Marlborough, Connecticut, and Janis Fallon and husband Jim of East Berne, her grandchildren, Seth, Shana and Trevor Brown and Jenifer Nix and her husband, Chase, Chris and Nick Caswell; great granddaughter, Ahni Nix and her nieces and nephews, John Whitehouse, Susan Garrison, Carol Silva, and her beloved cats, Merlin and Henry. Diann and Howard Dimick were part of her extended family who surrounded her with love and care. Vera was predeceased by her sister Evelyn Whitehouse and her brother, Alexander Kalley; and nephews, Alexander Whitehouse and Gordon Kalley. The family wishes to thank the High Peaks Hospice and aides Inge, Satin, Angie and Lisa who gave her such loving care in the last few months. Vera asked that friends and family remember her and celebrate her life instead of a funeral. Friends may call on Vera’s family from 4-7 pm Saturday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to Warrensburg Central School for a scholarship in her name to assist those who wish to pursue their passion in teaching and continue her philosophy to “help the child to be, so that he may become.” Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.