1939 – 2016
Pomfret Ctr. – Bernice (Grabiak) Brown, AKA “Ma Brown” 77, of 400 Deerfield Rd., passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 13, 2016. She was the loving wife of the late Lewis James Brown, Sr. and a companion of the late Clarence V. Vitalis. Born in Harrisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Mary (Yaukauskas) Grabiak.
Mrs. Brown attended Vandergrift High School and was a homemaker who was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, bird watching, painting, watching wrestling and auto racing. She was also a lifetime member of the Woodstock Fair.
Bernice is survived by her daughters, Christine Papuga and her husband Christopher of Sterling, Lisa Dyer and her husband Christopher of Pomfret Ctr., and Angela Frechette of Danielson; her brother, Walter Grabiak and his wife Nancy of Leesburg, FL; her sisters, Ruth Roberto of Vandergrift, PA, Dorothy Humes of Wauregan, and Josephine League of Danielson; her grandchildren, Ayden Papuga, Shaun and Liam Dyer, Keith and Austin Frechette, and Michael Rosario; her great grandchildren, Owen and Logan Dyer and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, the late Lewis James Brown, Jr.; her daughter, the late Josephine Brown; her brothers, Frank Grabiak and Joseph Grabiak; her sisters, Mary Ann Zigus Zemba and Clarita Grabiak.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bernice’s family on Friday December 16, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Gilman funeral home & Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016 in Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret Rd, Pomfret CT. A second Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2016 in St. James Catholic Church, 109 Owens View Rd., Apollo, PA, 15613 followed by burial in Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, PA. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Nikita
My condolences are with you. Sorry we couldn’t make it from Florida to pay our respects. We love you.
Marie Blain
So sorry for your families loss, she loved her children and grandchildren very much. She will be missed.
James & Lathi Dumaine-Savage
We offer our deepest condolences to the family. She must have been very proud of the wonderful children she raised, and her beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. I know her spirit will be present as these youngsters live their lives and continue to make her proud. Our wish for all of you is that warm memories will fill the place where your grief in now.
Roland &Barbara Dyer
Thinking of u all. Your Mom is at rest now.
Cindy janz
Berniece will be missed..she had a dry sense of humor and a love for her family..I was fortunate to know her ..heartfelt condolences to her family
Jeff Taylor
Ma Brown,
I have very fond memories of you while growing up that i will always cherish. I will remember the last time I saw you too.. because I recognized you first. : ) – I ‘ d like to thank you for bringing you beautiful daughters into this world. Your an angel now , so In heaven give everyone the love that you shared here on earth and please say hello to my mother for me..
Love from across the miles – X
Carrie Wolfe
Lisa, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jane Dion
Lisa I never met your mother but feel that I know her from all your wonderful stories about her. My sympathies go out to you and your entire family.
Summer Winslow
We will miss you Aunt Bernice!
Love, Summer
Jane Hale
My prayers are with you and your family as you hold tight to the memories of your mom. May she rest In peace, and may you rest in her love for you.
Laurie Brinkerhoff
I am grateful for your mother as I am fortunate to call LIsa my sister-in-law, Shawn my nephew, Liam my nephew, and Owen my great-nephew! She has given the world such wonderful gifts in her blessings. Hugs to you all during this time.
Kate Welch
Lisa, Christine, Angela, and your families, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, she was a giving and loving women. Great mom and grandmother. She will deeply missed. RIP Berniece…❤
Karen & Mike Lechene
Mike and I loved Bernice very much. She was our neighbor when she lived in Sterling. Whenever we would would walk by on our once in a while walks, she always would offer us a cup of coffee and an invite to sit for a spell. Bernice had such a big heart. Our condolences to the family
Chris Papuga
Grammy Brown, you will be missed. I wish I could turn back time and see you again walking through the yard looking for Christine on one of your visits. Rest peacefully Bernice. Love Chris
Hidy
Just wanted to express my condolences for the loss of your mom. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially during this time of year. You are in my thoughts.
Josie League
I know my sister Bernice is going to be watching over me. She was warm hearted and would make you feel welcome without even trying. As sisters we had our moments as all siblings do, but we never lost our love . I I will miss your phone calls always saying “Josephine this is your sister” like I wouldn’t know it if she didn’t say it. Until we meet again – your sister Josephine
Karen Dufresne
My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Brown (Ma) was a special person, kind and loving. She will truly be missed by many.
Sherry L. Mason
My deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of sorrow. My your memories bring you comfort and the knowledge that you and your loved one will be reunited again in paradise ease your giref.
Lynda Joly
My thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Erin Caromile
So sorry for your loss Lisa. Sending positive thoughts and love for your whole family! ❤️
Kate Cerrone
Condolences to the Brown family, and especially for Lisa Dyer. May you be comforted during this difficult time. It is difficult to lose a loved one but may you find peace that she is loved.
Scott & Maria Winslow
You will be greatly missed Aunt Bernice. You gave more than you had and always appreciated anything you received. A kind soul for sure. We’ll follow you on your last journey to Pennsylvania. May you join Grandma, Grandpa. Uncle Joe & Aunt Mary Ann and forever rest in peace. We love you. Maria, Scott, Paul & Summer.
Kelly
Lisa you and your family are in our thoughts this holiday season. Much love.
Diana Katherine Mendoza Zapata
I’m sorry for what your heart feels at the moment , She is now in heaven and will always
be your guardian Angel .
Lynn N Woods
My prayers are with your loved ones at this time .
Courtney Moreau
I’m so sorry for your loss, my greatest memory is when I was logans age , I would go across the street to visit Shaun and have scrambled eggs , your mom made them the best ❤️
Colleen Mansfield&Ron Grabiak
Wish we could be with you to share our condolences.
It may have been a while since we have been to
gether, but there are fond memories.My God Bless.
Sorry for your loss, may you find peace.