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Jane Russell Brown

Jane Russell Brown, 103, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2024, at her home in Old Saybrook. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, on June 14, 1920, she was the daughter of Henry Lowell Russell and Anna Louise (Lehane) Russell.

Jane was a graduate of Abbot Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and Radcliffe College for Women in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Class of 1942. While in high school, Jane met her future husband, Arthur T. Brown. She married “Brownie” in April of 1943 while he was stationed at a U.S. Army base in Indianapolis. Days after their marriage, Brownie was transferred by the Army to Africa, Italy, and France until the war ended. Jane and Brownie did not see one another for three years. During the war years, Jane worked for Mandel Cohen at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. After the war, Jane joined her husband in Europe, where they worked for two years for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), helping displaced persons at a camp in Germany and later with the Yugoslav mission in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Jane also worked for the American Red Cross in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. Throughout her life, Jane was deeply involved with the American Red Cross in many roles, including social worker, driver, and volunteer.

After returning from Europe in 1947, Jane and Arthur lived in Ohio, Michigan, and Wellesley, Massachusetts, before moving to Riverside, Connecticut, in 1961, where they continued to raise their five children. While in Riverside in the 1960s, Jane incorporated two young women she met into her household, Carol Rinello and Diane Caldwell. They easily and quickly became her “English daughters.” In addition to raising her own children, Jane often opened her house to troubled adolescents in need of a temporary home. The family spent many wonderful summers at Sandy Island Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Much of Jane’s time and energy outside the home was devoted to volunteering and public sector work. Her husband’s job with Milliken & Company transferred him to South Carolina in the 1970s, and while living there, Jane became involved in several social service organizations in Spartanburg. She was recognized for her involvement and was presented with the annual Service to Mankind Award.

Jane possessed a keen mind and was a good conversationalist across a range of subjects. She was a charitable and caring person who had the gift of connecting with people of all backgrounds and ages. Many sought Jane’s advice and guidance. She cared deeply about those around her and was always there to listen to the stories and concerns of her family and many friends. An enthusiastic reader and eager traveler, Jane enjoyed crossword puzzles and the theater. She was an accomplished bridge player and played right up until her last months. Jane was loved deeply and will be missed forever by her family.

She is survived by her three daughters, one son, and a daughter-in-law: Martha Brown of Old Saybrook, Deborah DeCristoforo (John) of Old Saybrook, Ellen Breed (Allan) of South Berwick, Maine, Jonathan Brown (Marla) of Rawlins, Wyoming, and Jocelyn Chertoff of Hanover, New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her husband and son, Christopher Brown. She leaves behind her nephew, Scott Brown of York, Maine; niece, Katalin Brown of Wellesley; her two cousins; and her English daughters. She was also the proud grandmother to 11, five grandnieces and nephews, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jane’s family would like to thank the Middlesex Home Hospice staff, especially Ruth and Lara, for their compassionate care over the past months.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sandy Island Camp, Doctors Without Borders and Middlesex Home Hospice. There will be no services, at Jane’s request.