Edith Helen Brown

Edith H. Brown was a loving, outgoing, and affectionate woman. She had a smile for every person she saw. Her deep faith and generosity will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Edith’s story began in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, where she was born on October 16, 1916. She was the second of four children born to Rudolph and Olga (Richter) Gellert. Edith’s siblings included an older brother, Herbert, a younger sister Alma, and a younger brother, Harold, as well as her youngest sister, Elizabeth Divona.

Edith met with tragic times when her father died in 1927, when she was just 11 years old. She drew very close to her brothers and sisters. She continued to be close to them her whole life, and travelled to Canada often to visit. After Rudolph’s death, Olga later married Daniel Rosentreter when she later became blessed with another sister (Divona) Elizabeth.

As a student, Edith was incredibly bright. She was studious growing up, allowing her to skip a grade. Her formal education was completed at 12th grade. She was very social and her outgoing nature really came through.

A family member was instrumental in introducing Edith to Alan M. Brown, the man who would eventually become the love of her life. Edith affectionately called him “Brownie”. They married after a short time, and began a beautiful life together.

They would move from Canada and settle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the 1950’s. They settled in Milwaukee because another family member lived there. They were very proud of becoming American citizens.

Brownie was an inspector at Amco Metal, while Edith enjoyed working at “The Boston Store” as a sales clerk, she talked often of her time at the store. Edith loved shopping, loved to be out on the go, which led to the nickname “Go-Go”. She loved life and was very social. She loved to get “dolled up”, and she dressed impeccably, known to have the finest taste. Her favorite color was bright red, and she frequently wore it. Edith and Brownie would purchase a new Oldsmobile every 2 years to keep up with the current models.

Edith was very social. She and Brownie enjoyed gathering with friends, belonging to different Diner’s Clubs at various restaurants. Edith had a hearty appetite for a petite woman, she enjoyed steaks, bbq ribs, salmon, Shamrock Shakes and chocolates to name a few of her favorites.

The couple purchased a newly built mobile home in early 1960’s, and lived on Milwaukee’s South Side. They enjoyed life together. In 1988 Brownie was diagnosed with colon cancer, and he would battle the cancer for a couple of years, with Edith steady at his side. He passed away April 29, 1991. It was very difficult for Edith with the loss of Brownie, but she always tried to keep her head up. Edith relied on the love and support of her family to help her through this difficult time. She often spoke of fond memories to comfort all. She never lost sight of what was really important in life.

Edith and Brownie never had children of their own but she loved her nieces, and nephews Godchildren, and treated them like the children she never had. She would often say she was “claiming them as her own.” She loved to spoil them every chance she got to. She especially looked forward to and enjoyed family and holiday gatherings.

Edith had a deep abiding faith and she was moral. She was also very generous. Often after family visits special little gifts or hidden packages from her would be found. She loved to collect dolls and teddy bears giving many of them away in her later years to loved ones. She enjoyed meeting friends at Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church Senior Center, where she also made ceramic crafts.

Edith was a “night owl” often staying up to watch late night talk shows. She also kept up with current events and news programs. She was very knowledgeable and enjoyed keeping tabs on current celebrities and award shows.

Edith’s brother Harold remembers her as a great sister. Harold remembers Edith paying him to allow her to cut his hair. She was fun loving and always made people laugh.

In 2002, Edith moved to The Courts Apartments in Oak Creek to be closer to her sister and niece and nephews. Her next door neighbor was Clarence Wendler (Uncle Clarey) who happened to be her nephew Jason’s wife’s Uncle. They became very dear close friends. She also became close friends with a few other special women while living there. Edith often enjoyed complimentary Transit transported shopping trips to Pick-n-Save. Sometimes she would spend hours there. All of the clerks knew her by name and looked forward to her visits.

In 2007, she moved to Villas at the Station also located in Oak Creek, WI. She often commented on the sound of trains going by reminded her of her brothers working for the railroad in Canada.

Edith truly enjoyed her later years and had time to reflect on her life and how blessed she was.

In 2009, Edith suffered a series of strokes, which led to the need for additional help. In 2010 she entered Willowcrest Care Center, where she was diagnosed with advanced dementia.

June 1, 2011 Unfortunately, Edith passed away at the age of 94. Her loving family was by her side. She will be so dearly missed.

Edith had a “go go” attitude, was generous, fun loving, outgoing, had a good sense of humor, strong faith, and loved children. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, who will always remember her by her charismatic grace and social spirit. She will also be remembered for her strong faith, kindness and continuous generosity.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alan. M. “Brownie” Brown, parents Rudolph and Olga Gellert, Brother Herbert Gellert and sister Alma Peters. Survived by her brother Harold (Kathleen) Gellert and sister Divona (Jimmie) Stone. Loving Aunt of James and Sharon Gellert, Robert and James Peters, Bill and Kim Gellert, Daniel and Donna Gellert, Michael Stone and Jason, Beth and Evana Stone. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation Monday, June 6 at Apostolic Faith Church 3045 Airline Road Franksville, WI, from 9:00 AM until time of the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM. Interment Forest Hill Memorial Park Oak Creek, Wisconsin.