1943 – 2020
Nancy “Susie” D. Brown, 76, of Woodstock, CT passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at Westview Health Care Center in Dayville, CT succumbing to complications associated with a rare vascular disorder, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) and congestive heart failure.
Nancy was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on 14 June 1943, and grew up in nearby St. Joseph, Michigan. A nature and wildlife lover, Nancy took the opportunity in her youth to play and explore the outdoors at Stockbridge – her family’s farm and horseback riding school. Growing up around horses, she was a natural equestrian, spending time helping at the stables doing everything from teaching riding lessons to taking care of the horses. Her students, family, and friends all knew her by Susie while at Stockbridge Farm.
Nancy eventually left Michigan to attend high school at Sanford School in Hockessan, Delaware. After graduating in 1963, she pursued her passion for horseback riding, and subsequently enrolled in the Potomac Horse Center in Potomac, Maryland. She excelled and was invited to try out for the 1968 Summer Olympics Equestrian Show Jumping Team. Although she didn’t go to the Olympics, she earned her Horse Mastership Certification in 1967, and became an accomplished horseback riding instructor, licensed to teach in Massachusetts, and Connecticut, where she eventually settled. Nancy taught lessons but devoted herself to taking care of her three children.
Nancy was also a life-long lover of dogs, and later in life, owned her beloved Newfoundlands, including her dear Belle, Ellie, and Sterling. She became involved in the Newfoundland Club of New England where she proudly worked with her dogs, and with the help of others, getting them certified in water rescue and draft work.
In the last ten years, Nancy’s pride and joy were her two grandchildren, Nora and Liam. She enjoyed spending time with them and hosting sleepovers too.
A loving mother and grandmother, Nancy was also a friend to many. Nancy was very proud of the accomplishments of all of her children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her mother, Caroline Witte (nee Hoffmann), father, Bradford Brown and her brother, Gordon Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Abigail C. Miller (nee Carreno), son-in-law, Rick Miller, granddaughter, Nora Miller, and grandson, Liam Miller of Spencer, MA; her son, Hunter Carreno of Woodstock, CT; and her son, Justin T. Carreno of Arlington, VA.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to either of the following organizations: Cure HHT, P.O. Box 329, Monkton, MD 21111 or the Newfoundland Club of New England Charitable Fund, 131 Clough Pond Rd. Canterbury, NH 03224-2406. Burial of ashes will take place privately with the family at a later date. Condolences can be offered at 11 Shore Dr. Spencer, MA, 01562. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Kathy Morin
My sincere condolences to the Carreno family in the loss of your mother. I was able to know and establish a relationship with Nancy and her family a number of years ago in an office setting as well as on the soccer field.
May the family memories of her help soften the sorrow in your hearts. Peace be with you.
Kathy Morin
JOSETTE CHRYSTALL
I can only say that I am truly grateful that I had the pleasure of spending many hours laughing with Nancy. What a wonderful, sweet, intelligent and kind lady she was and I only hope she finds joy on Rainbow Bridge
Ginger
I am so sorry Nancy you where wonderful but now you are in peace love you
Jennifer
My condolences go out to the Correno family. May her memories remain close to all of you. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Jen Smith ( Roy)
Joelle conover
Richard and family
I am so very sorry for your loss. I never knew she tried out for the Olympic team back in the 60s. I always knew she had a love for horses. Now she is at peace galloping Can’t Tell through lush, grassy fields. With all my love, Joelle M. Conover
Dave Babbitt
To Nancy’s children….Abby, Justin and Hunter….So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing….Many fond memories of her and your family…We extend our deepest sympathies…Dave & Peg. Babbitt
Bernadette Quercia
Abigail, Hunter, and Justin,
I was saddened to learn of your Mother’s passing. Our paths crossed occasionally over the years and she was always so eager to share news about the three of you as “grownups.” There are no words to take away your sadness but I hope that you can find some comfort in the wonderful memories you shared. Please know that you are in my thoughts and heart at this difficult time.
Diane LaPorte
Abigail, Justin and Hunter. So sorry to hear about your mom. Mike and I use to love to sit on our deck have a coffee and chat with your mom. Keep all your memories close to your heart. Rest In Peace Nancy and rock the heavens! ❤️
Jeff Barske
We are so sad to lose Nancy. She was always engaging, kind and chatty. She offered her friendship with no strings or judgement . What a wonderful lady!
Sharon LaPlume
So sorry for your loss. Spent many fun times with your mom at Janes.. She was a sweetheart.
Sue Marino
I am so sorry to hear about Nancy. I helped her earn titles on her dogs and we always had such fun training together.
She will be missed in the New England Newfoundland world.
Mary Ann Zitta
I was sorry to hear of Susies passing. We met in the 2nd grade as I remember. I was happy to be a friend during the summers at Stockbridge. I remember once a bunch of us took horses on a hike to the beach at Lake Michigan. We stayed overnight a spent hours frolicking bareback in the waves. What a memory! Another time we went for a sleigh ride with high stepping chestnut, Chief, with bells on and everything! What fun it was! She and Mum were a major part of my childhood memorys. I know you have many more recent ones to treasure as the years go by. And they will….quickly. Treasure each one.
Jeff & Lynn Magao
Hunter so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Cynthia Noack Greensmith
So sorry to hear of Susie’s passing. Hearing about it brought back long-ago memories. I spent my high school years (1954 – 1958) with the Brown family in St. Joe taking riding lessons and spending summers practically living at Stockbridge. They became my second family. Many happy memories of those very special years still stay with me. “Mum”, Gordy, and Susie were some of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever known.
Brenda Miele Soares
I’m so sorry for your loss. Nancy was a great supporter of water training. Will miss her and her beautiful gray Newfs.
Jacque Carroll and family
So sorry for your loss. Abigail, Justin, and Hunter. I so enjoyed all our outings and discussing our children and grandchildren. We shared many wonderfull times with all the Carrenno Family. May she rest in peace
Doug Porter
So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. It was a pleasure working with Nancy on her Woodstock house. Now she is in the house of our Lord. Nancy will be in our prayers.
Marianne & James Carreño
We were so saddened by the loss of your mother. Your mom was full of love and life for all that is good in the world. She raised 3 wonderful children. May God watch over you during this sad time. A mother’s loss is felt always as her love & all your wonderful memories remain with you always.
Sincerely
Marianne & James Carreño