Rest in Peace, Nanny

On June 8, 2006 at 4:52 A.M., EST, Frances Brown broke the chains of this life and went to be with her Lord. She lived a long and fruitful life, having lived to be 94 years old. Nanny followed her husband and one of her sons in death. She is survived by a daughter and a son, 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Nanny was an example of strength and love. She cared for so many in her life time, not just her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but the children of others. She had a softness in her heart for children and couldn't bear to see any of them suffering or going without. Nanny also took care of her friends and kept tabs on them through letters, phone calls, visits and she always shared her baking talents with everyone. Nanny was a selfless woman, always thinking of others instead of herself.

Several of Nanny's great-grandchildren were lucky enough to have a close relationship with her. They spent weekends with her and learned by her example to care for and love others. Nanny is the glue that binds this family together and her absence will leave a big hole in the fabric of our lives.

Since I have known my husband, I have spent every Christmas Eve for 16 years at her home and most every Thanksgiving. If you ever left Nanny's house hungry, it was your fault, because even if you just stopped by to say hello, Nanny would have fed you something before you left.

Nanny was like a rock thrown into a pond, the ripples of her kind acts continue to spread across the surface of life. Her greatest gift to us was her love of others and our greatest tribute to her is to follow her example.

We are grieving for our loss today, but I have no doubt that at 4:52 A.M., Nanny was greeted by St. Peter and led to a doozy of a party where all those loved ones who had gone before were waiting for her.

Nanny, your life blessed all you touched. There is no greater epitaph than that. We will miss you.

P.S. My husband shares lessons he learned from this remarkable lady.