Constance Lydia (George) Brown

Constance Lydia (George) Brown passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 30th. Constance was survived by her husband, the Honorable Frederick L. Brown, her children Alison Brown and her husband Gregory White, Elizabeth Brown and her husband Brian Madsen, Kip Brown and his wife Beth Nichols.  

Constance was a cherished grandmother to Nicholas White, Edgar (Max) White, Oliver White, Lucan White, Cristina Cook, Brandon Madsen, Mary Keddington, Frederick Madsen, Henry Madsen, Youmy Telemaque and Brandon Nichols. There are several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.  

Constance was not only an amazing wife, mother and grandmother, but also a terrific friend to many.  

She was born Constance Lydia George on June 24, 1934, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts to Albert and Christina George. Constance was sister to the late Walter George, Elizabeth Durfey and Thomas George. 

Constance grew up in Fairhaven and attended Fairhaven High School. She then went on to and earned a teaching degree from the Perry Normal School, (now Curry College). 

Constance found the love of her life, Frederick Brown, when they were students in Boston. They met on Halloween night in 1952 and were married on June 29, 1955. The ceremony took place in Frankfurt, Germany, where Frederick served as an officer in the United States Army.   

As an Army spouse, Constance traveled with Frederick to bases in Fort Benning, Georgia, Huntsville Alabama, and White Sands, New Mexico. When Frederick was sent to Korea, Constance moved back and lived in Fairhaven. When he returned stateside, they lived on base in Limestone, Maine. Once Frederick retired from the Army, they moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts.  

Constance taught nursery school for several years before starting the Wendell Street Gallery from 1976 to 2003, which she co-owned with Jane Shapiro in Cambridge. The gallery focused on promoting the works of Black artists, such as Richard Yarde, Romare Bearden, Benny Andrews, Robert Freeman, Alma Thomas, Sedrick Huckaby, and Bryan McFarlane, to name a few.

Constance and Frederick moved to Belmont in 1967.  

Constance was a fearless woman who battled and survived breast cancer, not once, but twice. She traveled the world and lived her life to its fullest. 

Some of her favorite places to visit were St. Helena, Copenhagen, Sicily, Saint Martin, Barcelona, Hong Kong and sailing to England on the Queen Mary 2. 

Constance also enjoyed many years savoring the house she built in Waterford Springs, VT. She was a marvelous party planner and was delighted to host her family and friends in Vermont on many occasions.   

With a vibrant personality, Constance’s wit and charm were unmatched and undeniable. Lighting up any room, she entered with her bright smile.   

There were many interests, hobbies and activities which she enjoyed: playing bridge, practicing yoga, cross-country skiing and swimming.  

Her passions were reading, listening to classical music, playing her violin, literature, and fine art. She also loved a wide range of entertainment. Anything from watching sports, to baking shows, to mysteries on the BBC.   

Constance was on the board of The National Center for African-American Artists (NCAAA). She enjoyed giving to and participating in different charities.

Constance was also a patron of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as a member of the American Contract Bridge League. 

Constance’s pride and joy came from her grandchildren. She exposed them to things like proper etiquette, introduced them to theater, music and the fine arts. She spoiled them unmercifully, but also taught them the value of life and caring for others.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 582 Pleasant Street, Belmont. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 https://www.dana-farber.org/  or the American Parkinson's Disease Association of Massachusetts 85 East Concord Street Boston, MA  02118      https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/massachusetts/

The Zoom link to the funeral service will be: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/749565524

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