Anne Milliken Brown, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and formerly of Bel Air, Maryland, loved her family, faith, and friends. Anne passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the age of 84. She lived an exceptional life, blessed with a loving husband, 4 sons, 9 grandchildren, extended family, and many devoted and life-long friends. Anne loved to quilt, knit, and find ways to make her corner of the world a better place. She was loving, kind, and generous, making her much loved by everyone who knew her.
Anne was born Harriet Anne Milliken on March 13, 1937, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Edward and Dorothy Milliken. She was the eldest of three children, Ted Milliken, of Pine Twp, PA, and Ginny Buzzard of Marietta, OH. It was in high school at Wilkinsburg High where “Annie” started to build community, a gift that would last a lifetime. Anne spent two years at Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio then transferred to Penn State where she became a Chi Omega and met her husband, James. C Brown. In 1959 she graduated with a degree in Home Economics and married Jim in February of 1960. Their marriage lasted 61 years and brought a house full of boys–Jim, David, Chuck and Bill.
While Jim worked for United States Steel for 38 years, Anne raised their 4 boys. It was a full house that moved a lot. In Cleveland, Ohio, Jim and David were born, and Chuck and Bill were added after they moved back to Pittsburgh. The household would relocate from Pittsburgh to Waterloo Iowa, St. Louis, Missouri, back to Pittsburgh, and eventually to Bel Air, Maryland where they would live for over 30 years. All the while Anne raised their boys with humor, confidence, dignity, and instilled in them the gentle act of caring for others. Anne led by example supported by a strong Methodist church community and a network of friends.
Anne never had daughters but was blessed with 3 wonderful daughters-in-laws, Cheryl, Jennifer, and Michelle. In 2012, a son-in-law was added to the family when David married Benjamin. Anne was a devoted and caring grandmother to Stephanie, Amanda, Chaz, Grace, John, Matt, Torie, Caroline, and Abby and just this summer joyfully welcomed Julian to the family as Amanda’s husband. Family meant everything to Anne yet her caring nature impacted so many more.
Anne was active in the American Association for University Women, P.E.O., United Methodist Women, and when she saw a need she created programs to fill them. As a member of Bel Air United Methodist Church Anne started Pass-It-On Ministries. This ministry co-operates with the Harford County Community Action Agency, Harford County Department of Social Service, other county agencies, and other local churches to provide financial assistance to residents of Harford County for utility turn-offs, eviction notices, and security deposits. Anne also started a support group for Grandparents raising grandchildren. “Anne is the dearest dearest person, she is simply the greatest person in the world,” says Igrid, a member of the group. Anne was named an “Unsung Hero” by the state of Maryland. After moving to the Willow Valley Community in Lancaster, PA, Anne and Jim became active members of the racial equity and social justice group as well as the LGBTQ+ support group.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, October 2 at 4 pm at the Bel Air United Methodist Church, 21 Linwood Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014. A time to visit with the family will begin at 3 pm, followed by the service. The family requests that guests wear masks and follow the example of the entire family by being vaccinated. Anne believed in family, community, and science.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pass-It-On Ministries online at https://belairumc.org/giving/ , calling 410-838-5181, or mailing a check to Bel Air United Methodist Church 21 Linwood Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014. In the Memo Line write “Pass-It-On”.
Terry and Marylou Steeden says
David, what a remarkable woman. May your time together as you celebrate her life be meaningful and full of blessing. All our love and prayers…
Rev Meredith Wilkins says
What a lovely tribute. I offer my prayers for all who loved her.
Polly Hoppin says
Dear David, and the host of family who loved her so.
I remember meeting your Mom once, David, and the essence of what is written in this beautiful obituary was clear in her smile, her twinkle, her attention, and her words. What a huge loss for all of you. My heart and prayers are with you all, with gratitude for the love she gave to you and so many others, and the ripples of that to the rest of us. Love and peace.
Chris Roberts says
Dear David,
Your pride for your parents shone through whenever you posted or spoke, and as this photo appeared in my feed, I felt instant fear of what reality was coming. I am so sorry for you and Ben and your family. What a beautiful tribute of her life! Love the inclusion of daughters in law and son in law!
May you have comfort in these heartfelt greetings. And your Dad, too, with the passing of his loving mate.
Lisa Cohen says
David,
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounded like a kind, wonderful person. She passed that trait down to her family! Be well and know you are loved by many people!
William Hughes says
Dear David, I knew you came from good stock. Please know that you are in our thought and prayers. So sorry for your loss. You mother sounds like an Amazing woman. With deepest sympathy, Billy , Steven and Liam
Julia Smith Reda says
So sorry to hear about your Mom. You are in our prayers.
Jim & Iris Frey says
Jim and Anne were among the first couples we met after moving to Willow Valley. We shared many good times together during the past five years, all enhanced by Anne’s gracious attitude, interest in others, and a sense of humor that was matched only by Jim’s. Words cannot express our grief about Anne’s passing, and we pray for the family’s comfort at this time.
Michael Solomon says
To the family and friends of Mrs. Anne Brown, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. May you always cherish her love and humor, as you remember the woman with a gentle smile and caring for others.
Sincerely,
Michael Solomon
Monica Johnson says
Chuck and the entire Brown family — Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Your mom sounds like a beautiful person — kind, loving, generous, creative, and caring. She blessed the world with her presence and created a lasting legacy. As you prepare to say goodbye, know that my prayers are with you. With love and sympathy— Monica Johnson
maria webb says
sorry for your loss, Mom was a beautiful person she has her wings – SHE will be with you fore ever and always in your HEART. rest in peace and Love Mrs. Brown.
Sincerly Maria Webb
Arnold Tubis says
I happily remember welcoming to our home, Anne and Jim, Anne’s parents Ted and Ginny Milliken, and many other members of the Brown and Milliken families, before the wedding of Jim and Cheryl in West Lafayette, IN. I was also gratified by how deeply Anne, Ted, and Ginny established an immediate bond with my mother Rose, and I recall that shortly after the wedding, Ted and Ginny visited Rose at her home in Atlantic City.
In all of my encounters with Anne over the years, I have always enjoyed her outgoing ultra-cheerful demeanor and zest for new experiences and love and service to others . She will live forever in our hearts.
May the current sadness of her passing be soon eased by the many happy memories of her life with us.
Sincerely,
Arnold Tubis
AFP MA Board says
Our sincere condolences for the passing of your mom.
The Henderson Family says
Ann will be missed by everyone that knew her. Ann’s work with the Bel Air United Methodist Church will certainly be missed as well, she touched many lives and will always be remembered with love and gratitude.
Dennis and Helen Fisher says
To Jim, your sons and family. Please accept our condolences in your loss and our loss of Ann She was so special in the lives of Helen and the “rascal” that it hard for us to imagine a life without her. We miss her so much and love Jim and pray for peace with his loss.
Troy Baisden says
Anne meant so much to Mom (Mary Beth) – what a great friend she was for so many years. I’m glad Mom can come to the service. Love and deep condolences to Jim and and the family.
Kathy Burke says
Anne was a wonderful PEO sister and shared her warm charm and joy with everyone she met. We all will miss her. Blessing to all her wonderful family!