Patricia Diane Brown

PATRICIA DIANE BROWN, daughter of the late William and Emma Murphy Sr., died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on Monday, May 11 after a brief sudden illness. Pat was born on February 21, 1947, in Baltimore Maryland. She graduated from Eastern High School and was a long standing member at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Covenant. Pat married her high school sweetheart, Steven L. Brown Sr., who served his country as a medic in the United States Navy and out of their union a son was born, Steven Jr. Pat lived everyday to the fullest and spent her life on what mattered most to her: her family and friends. Those closest to her and knew her best referred to her as Diane. She was there for every milestone for her family especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her intellect, compassion, perseverance, wit, generosity, zest for life, smile, and the love she shared. Her perspective, wise counsel, friendship, and spirit will be greatly missed. She was also a terrific friend and nurtured a wide circle of friends whom she delighted in connecting with one another. Pat brown was devoted to her church. Her business savvy made her an invaluable and indispensable member of several committees. She served as the church's treasurer for any years; she chaired the church's finance committee and was a member of the Board of Directors for Camp Excel. She worked tirelessly in these areas, juggling financial reports, paying bills, dipping into her own pocket on countless occasions to help sustain Holy Covenant's ministries. Her resourcefulness made her a “go to” person for all sorts projects. No challenge overwhelmed her.” got this”, she was known to say whenever presented with a task that required marshaling parishioners and organizing a team. Any number of times during a repast she could be found directing affairs from a stool in the kitchen. It seemed she could conjure up whatever was needed by tapping into her vast circle of family and friends. “ I never turn down nothing but a collar” she would say, smiling and laughing, enjoying another success. Pat volunteered numerous hours, resources. Gifts, and talents to one of her many passions, Camp Excel. She provided opportunities ad sponsored several of the church's teenagers who worked for the camp. She served as a mentor to dozens of children who credit her with teaching them how to be effective leaders and critical thinkers as well as how to value education. Pat had a love for teaching and imparting wisdom and knowledge to others. Her early zest for life was apparent from her academic pursuits. Pat received a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University and eventually received a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University. She began her career at UMBC as a library assistant in 1972. pat received a number of promotions and was highly regarded professionally, contributing much to the success of several library departments over the years. During her tenure as president of AFSCME Local 1459, Pat represented the campus community with honor and distinction, she was always a champion for the under dog and believed strongly in justice and fairness for all. The care and assistance she provided her fellow employees in all job classifications and positions across the campus will long be remembered. Pat was the voice for many employees in the campus community and her dedication to UMBC and its mission was unparalleled. As UMBC approaches its 50th anniversary, pat will be remembered as a person who made countless contributions to UMBC students, staff, and faculty through her 43 years of distinguished service. She will be greatly missed. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of nearly 44 years years, Steven Brown Sr.; her son, Steven Brown, Jr.; her two grandchildren Darius Adtoya and Autumn Brown, Jr, four brothers, David, Ronald, Garry, and Lionel Murphy; two sisters, Cynthia (Murphy) Price, Frances Murphy; sisters in law, Cathy and Karen Murphy; nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Her loving brothers, William O. Murphy, Eugene O. Murphy and sister in law Carolyn Murphy; preceded her in death.

Tributes

Patricia Diane Brown

February 21, 1947 - May 11, 2015