Elizabeth Ann Brown

Elizabeth “Betty” A. Brown, 88, of East Greenwich, RI, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ, died peacefully at home on March 22, 2026, surrounded by family. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert “Bob” F. Brown (deceased 2017). Born on October 27, 1937, in Newark, NJ, to Elizabeth (Loftus) and Herbert Ferguson. Betty earned her BA in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey in 1959 and went on to receive two master’s degrees: one in Reading Literature and one in Education Administration/Supervision both from Kean University.

Betty married her college sweetheart, Bob Brown, in 1960. They lived in Scotch Plains, NJ, until 1962, then built a home in Bridgewater, NJ, and raised their four children.

She began her teaching career and taught first grade in Martinsville, NJ, then briefly stepped away from the classroom to start her family. While raising four daughters, Betty started her own typing business, providing services for doctors, lawyers, and students, and was featured in the local newspaper as an entrepreneur successfully balancing business and family life.

In 1972, Betty returned to the classroom, teaching kindergarten in Scotch Plains–Fanwood, where she would spend the next 25 years. She taught kindergarten through second grade, served as Building Facilitator, developed training programs, mentored countless teachers, and created a legacy of learners and friends that continues today. She cherished returning to New Jersey each year for her Soirée reunion with fellow teachers.

Outside the classroom, Betty sang for many years with the Sweet Adelines chorus, where she also served as historian, sewed costumes, and traveled with the group. She ran a successful craft business, designing and sewing padded fabric covers that turned everyday household items—like toilet paper rolls, toasters, blenders, and even boxes of diapers—into whimsical cottage-style decorations. She sold these through a store in Peddler’s Village, PA, for many years and could never quite keep up with the demand.  During those busy teaching and child‑rearing years, Betty and Bob made family time a priority, spending eight summers in a motorhome with their four daughters, the dog and the cat, traveling from New Jersey across the country and, over time, visiting every state and filling those long trips with memories the family still treasures.

One of Betty’s proudest accomplishments was the publication of her picture book, Coal Country Christmas, a poignant story of the “three Elizabeths”: her grandmother, her mother, and herself. Set in the coal country of Pennsylvania, it recalls her childhood memories and beautifully reflects the intersection of her love of family and her passion for literature.

Betty and Bob retired to Rhode Island in 1997 and began wintering in Florida, first in Naples and then on Marco Island, where they created a close community of friends. In retirement, Betty was as busy—if not busier—than during her working years. Avid bowlers since their college days, bowling was an activity they shared, and one Betty continued after Bob’s passing. Just four weeks before she died, she bowled her career-high game of 234, cheered on by her bowling buddies, who were an important part of her active life.

Betty served on the board of Read Across Rhode Island, helping select the annual book lists, leading conference enrollment, overseeing tables at conferences, and organizing a variety of literary activities. She was an active member of a writers’ group, offering thoughtful critiques and companionship. As a proud “Calendar Girl,” she shared deep friendship, love, and laughter with a small circle of close friends. Betty also knitted blankets for Knots of Love for babies in the NICU and for residents of local nursing homes. A devoted parishioner of Saint Francis de Sales, she loved singing in the choir every Sunday and at special liturgies and events.

Betty is survived by the family she held most dear: her four daughters, Nancy Fairbaugh (Rob) of Pennsylvania, Ellen Shanos (Nick) of Rhode Island, Carole Brown (Tom) of North Carolina, and Jennifer Jakaitis (Jim) of Illinois; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren—her cherished “littles”; and two nephews and their spouses and families.

She leaves behind a legacy of literature, love, music, and service to others.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 28, at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 381 School Street, North Kingstown, RI. Visiting with the family will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church vestibule, followed by the Mass at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will take place immediately afterward at Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, 6365 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave, Warwick.

In lieu of flowers, Betty would encourage donations to Saint Francis de Sales Church, an education fund, a local library, a local bowling league, or Hope Hospice & Palliative Care.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Ann Brown, please visit our floral store.