Shirley Ann Brown

Shirley Ann Brown (Conner) was born on September 26, 1937, in Oswego, New York, and passed away on October 11, 2025, in Utica, New York. She was married to Louis Leo Brown from Fulton, NY, in October of 1955, and they shared 31 years together.

Shirley is survived by her loving son Paul L. Brown, daughter-in-law Michelle, and granddaughter Catherine, who cared for her deeply, especially in her final years. Shirley was a devoted mother and a hardworking woman. She spent 18 and a half years as a seamstress in Oswego, eventually becoming a manager and mentoring younger women. Early in life, she worked alongside her grandmother as a cook, and later served as a secretary for family friend Joe Familo, an accountant. Her career spanned many roles from quick marts to Bayside Grocery in Fair Haven, where customers came to know and appreciate her. She gave her time volunteering at the food pantry in Hannibal, continuing to help even as she became a recipient herself. She loved animals, raising Chihuahuas in the 1960s, and cherished family trips to Rudy’s on the loop. In her later years, even as her health declined, she still found joy in the little things, playing solitaire and sneaking out with her son for a smoke, grabbing food at the drive-through, and feeding seagulls from the car window. She made holidays memorable by doing the small things that made each one feel special. When we went camping, we always had what we needed she was a master packer and planner. She was also a master short-order cook. Mom never made a big deal about her cooking, but she sure could cook. Dinner was always good, but she really shined when making something quick, egg and cheese sandwiches, French toast, grilled cheese. All whipped up in an instant, especially for the friends who stayed over. My friends were always welcome, and she loved them just as much as I did. She especially enjoyed when we gathered for bonfires back in the day. Mom would often come down and sit with us for a while, soaking it all in. She had a habit of calling every animal “baby,” no matter what it was even the squirrel she befriended at her work. That squirrel eventually brought her babies back to her, as if it understood she was someone to trust. Her strength, love, and quiet devotion will always be remembered and forever missed.

Shirley will be laid to rest at Springbrook Cemetery at the convenience of the family. To leave a special message for the family, please sign the guestbook.