Worcester

Mary M. Brownell, 87, Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at her home following a long illness.

She was proud of having been born in the same house, on July 22, 1924, to parents Thomas McCabe and Mary (Stapleton) McCabe.

She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Robert and Joseph McCabe, her loving husband Kenneth and daughter Susan, and two grandsons, Kenneth and Jared Brownell.

Mary is survived by her daughter Virginia (Arnold) Levine, sons David (Richelle) and Thomas (Kay) Brownell, and granddaughters Suzanne (Cory) Donnelly and Patricia Levine.

Mary spent her entire life in Worcester. An active member of the community, she was a founding member of the Worcester Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Worcester Fireman's Auxiliary, Worcester Women's Club, and a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Worcester. A homemaker, Mary devoted her life to her children and treasured her grandchildren. After graduating from Mildred Elley Secretarial School, Albany, she worked as a legal secretary in both Albany and Worcester during World War II. Later she could be seen often working alongside her husband at Brownell's Food Market, Worcester, and was a WCS school aide for a time. For many years she served as the librarian for the Worcester Free Library. Mary will always be remembered for her unfaltering optimism, extraordinary faith and unparalleled Irish humor. In recent years, she had been writing her memoirs, recording precious family memories for posterity.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and are being arranged by E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, Worcester. A Celebration of Life will be held by the family in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Worcester Emergency Squad, Meals on Wheels, or to a charity of one's choice.