Nora Ann O'Neill Brown, 69, left this life early in the morning of Monday, November 18 surrounded by her loving husband of 42 years, Richard, and her devoted daughters, Cathy Newman, Megan Clark, Eileen Hammack and Kelley Mitchell. Nora battled several different types of cancer for more than 3 years, before succumbing to Multiple Myeloma. Throughout her difficult and protracted illness, she demonstrated amazing courage and determination. She often said that what kept her going was her adored and adoring grandchildren. She leaves behind Emma and Desi Mitchell; Lilly and Bradley Newman; Harper and Blake Hammack; and Grace and Rory Clark. It is fair to say that Nora quite literally lived for them.

Nora is also survived by a large, extended family which includes her siblings Peggy O'Neill of Chester, MD; Tim O'Neill (Debbie) of Lee, MA; Mick O'Neill (Felicia) of Manassas, VA; and Kathy Choma (Rich) of Berlin, CT plus numerous nieces and nephews. Nora was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary O'Neill.

She was born Sept. 5, 1950 in Bennington, VT and attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Lee, MA. In 1968, she graduated from Lee High School and soon left Massachusetts for Washington DC where she attended design school. A talented designer and seamstress, Nora's interest in interior design continued throughout her life.

After her children were grown, she worked part-time for Three Centuries Tours in Annapolis giving walking tours and narrating the history of Colonial Annapolis. Her passion for design ultimately led her to become a sales associate for Country Curtains in Annapolis where she helped customers in the store and also served as an in-home decorator for the store's clients. Nora began her own business fabricating custom-made curtains, draperies and bedding for private clients.

When not sewing or caring for her family, Nora enjoyed gardening, baking, sudoku puzzles, and redecorating her own home. In her final days, Nora often warmed her heart with time spent cuddling her grandchildren and coloring with them.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A. 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 25 at 10:30am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 689 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Dr., Centreville, MD 21617.