Dorothy M. Brown of Southampton Dies January 14

Dorothy “Dottie” Brown, a long time resident of Southampton Village, died on January 14, surrounded by her three daughters at the East End Hospice Kanas Center in Westhampton Beach. She was 86.

Born to Joseph and Dorothy Miller on May 18, 1938, Dottie grew up in North White Plains, New York, graduating from White Plains High School. Blessed with natural beauty, Dottie was asked and accepted the title of Miss White Plains, 1959. Dottie received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan where she met her beloved husband, Dr. Sherburne Brown, who was Chief of Pediatrics at Southampton Hospital for many years. They moved to New York City for two years before settling in Southampton Village in 1960 to raise their family. They were married for 53 years.

Dottie’s passion was being an educator with a deep desire to continue to learn and grow. She taught third and sixth grades and then became a dedicated substitute teacher in the Southampton and Tuckahoe School Districts. She cherished the many friendships she made there. In addition, she received a Masters in Teaching and Communication from Suffolk Community College.

A devoted volunteer in the community, Dottie was instrumental in the formation of the Southampton Association College Scholarship Program and was a champion for village improvements. She co-chaired former mayor Bill Hattrick’s mayoral campaign and enjoyed volunteering for many years at The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in the Altar Rosary Society and Summer Tent Party.

Unfortunately, Dottie suffered a devastating stroke at the age of 47. Although she remained partially paralyzed, she persevered with unwavering positivity, bravery and motivation to continue her favorite activities: bridge, skiing (Mt. Sunapee Resort Adaptive Skiing), teaching, gardening, travel and cooking. Her deep faith and resilience kept her strong to seize everyday. After the stroke, her husband, Sherb, got his pilot’s license and purchased a small plane so they could share a new activity together. She was a great co-pilot!

Dottie lived her life to the fullest with grace and was a lady in every sense of the word. She cherished every moment with her family, especially her loving grandchildren.

Dottie leaves behind her two sisters, Carolyn Cooper and Marilyn Maro, a sister-in-law, Patti Brown, her three daughters, Amy Fraser (John), Meghan Rainey (David) and Cathlin Wolanske (Stephen) and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Friday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m. at The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. In lieu of flowers, her family requests contributions to the Southampton Association College Scholarship Program, PO Box 641, Southampton, NY 11969 or East End Hospice Kanas Center, PO Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.