Donna H. Brown

WATERBURY- Donna H. Brown, 80, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was the widow of Vaughn A. Brown who predeceased her in 2001 after 33 years of marriage.

Mrs. Brown was born December 27, 1939 in San Jose, CA, daughter of the late Frederick and Bernice (Cooley) Hagedorn.

She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Berkshire Christian College and would go on to obtain a Master of Education degree from Central Connecticut State University. She worked as a teacher for nearly 50 years and found her calling in the elementary grades. She began her teaching career in the Southbury Public Schools. After leaving this position to start a family, she taught in various capacities in private and faith-based settings. In every teaching endeavor, she was passionate about the potential residing in each student and accepted the challenge of nurturing growth. She loved children and found ways to serve them, whether it was in leading a story hour at Silas Bronson Library while raising her family or teaching Sunday School in her later years. She loved her family and worked tirelessly to create a loving home for her husband and children. She was a great listener and brought special sensitivity to these relationships. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren- regaling friends with stories of their accomplishments. After retiring from teaching, she pursued her interests in sketching and painting. She enjoyed learning and growing as an artist and sharing her creations with friends and family. She was generous to those she came in contact with and enjoyed serving her church in numerous ways..

More than anything in her life, Donna was faithful to her walk with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who she credited with guiding her life and preparing a way for her in a world that was not always kind. She ensured that her family was guided by faith and that her light would “so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” Maranatha!

She is survived by her three sons David F. Brown and his wife Jane Wright of Melbourne, Australia; Stephen C. and his wife Jennifer Brown of Oxford, and Timothy P. and his wife Lisa Brown of Clinton, UT; and three grandchildren Tighe, Olivia, Alexandra. She also leaves her roommate, Rosie Lepan of Waterbury, CT. She was predeceased by her brother Daryl Hagedorn.

A private graveside service for Donna will be held at Bucks Hill Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating Donna’s life will be held at a later date. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Waterbury, 496 Chase Ave, 06704 is assisting the family with the arrangements. Donations in her name can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.