Irene Brown, a long time resident of Baltimore, and more recently of the Annapolis area, died peacefully on July 19th, surrounded by her family who prayed and sang her home.

Irene had a wonderful career at John Hopkins Hospital as a medical secretary (for some of those same doctors buildings are named after today, she'd tell you). Later, she served as the 'right-hand man' for her husband Steve's construction business while devoting herself to mothering her two daughters. Finally, she came into her favorite career: grandmom. No one could count the number of concerts, recitals, plays, and other school functions she and Grandad attended, all with a smile and hugs for all.

Before all else, she loved her family, for whom she was a quiet, gentle light – but one with a definite twinkle in her eye. She had a welcoming heart and a generous spirit, and along with her husband Steve, she hosted many gatherings of family and friends, where she would join us in the chicken dance or, if we were lucky, demonstrate her tap dancing skills.
Together Irene and Steve traveled the world in their later years, attending the 50th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, cruising several of the seven seas, and going on pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima. Still, she was always glad to come home to her family.

Irene is survived by her loving children, Stephany Crane and Jane Brown, and their husbands, Roger and Bryan, by her grandchildren Rachel Sitomer (her husband, Dan), Katie Crane (her husband, Leland), Becky Brown, Billy Brown, and great-grandson Benjamin Sitomer.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, July 22nd from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, in Severna Park. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd at 11:00 am at St. Andrew By the Bay, 701 College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21401. RECEPTION TO FOLLOW AT ST ANDREW BY THE BAY PARISH CENTER.

Donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp.