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Adele Porth Brown, formerly of Branford, passed away on June 17 from complications of stroke and pneumonia. She is survived by her three children, W. Richard Brown of Southington, Deborah B. Avanzato (wife of Joseph Avanzato) of Odessa, Florida, and James H. Brown of Branford; three beautiful granddaughters, Rhiannon, Rachel, and Allison Brown; and a niece, Sally Sakshaug (wife of Ted Sakshaug) and nephew Lawrence D. Knox (husband of Rita Knox), and their respective families. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Richard L. Brown, as well as by her sister Ruth Katherine Porth.

Adele was born to Henry Walter Porth and Marie Fahlbush Porth on Nov. 6, 1929, in Albany, New York. She graduated cum laude with a BS degree in music education from The SUNY Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York in 1951. Later that summer, Adele married the late Richard (Dick) Brown. Shortly thereafter, Dick was deployed to Frankfurt, Germany, as part of his service in the US Army Engineer Corps. Adele soon joined him there, and their son Rick was born a year later. When Dick was discharged, they returned to the States and had a house built in Branford, where they raised their family and remained for more than 50 years. Both were very active in their church, Tabor Lutheran, where they sang in the choir for 35 years. Adele also directed the church children’s choir, and founded and directed the handbell choir.

Adele taught private piano lessons in her home for many years. She was a member and past president of the Musical Arts Society of Branford. She also sang with a number of choruses, including The New Haven Chorale, the Church of the Redeemer Choir (New Haven), the Branford Chorale, and the Ecumenical Chorus (Cocoa Beach, Florida).

Upon retirement, Dick and Adele traveled extensively in their motor home, reaching all of the continental states including Alaska. In between travels, Adele embraced the harp and gave numerous recitals at various places in Connecticut and Cocoa Beach, Florida, where they wintered for more than 25 yrs.

Adele’s life centered around her family, her church, and her music—all of which interacted with the cementing of many lifelong friendships. These made up the essence of her life. Her legacy is her two sons, daughter, and three grandchildren.

Friends are invited to a memorial service Saturday, Aug. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Tabor Lutheran Church, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of Tabor Lutheran Church, 25 Tabor Dr., Branford, CT 06405.