Nancy J. (Joy) Brown

WORCESTER, MA – Nancy J. (Joy) Brown died peacefully on June 23, 2018, in Knollwood Nursing Center in Worcester with members of her family by her side. She was born on June 20, 1929, in Syracuse, NY and lived in Worcester for 57 years. Nancy was the daughter of Dr. Harold H. Joy and Vivian (White) Joy. She was married to Caleb C. Brown III for 51 years until his death in 2001. She leaves her three children, Christopher C. Brown and his wife, Barbara of Holden, MA, Jeremy J. Brown and his wife, Susan of Mt. Kisco, NY, and Beverly J. Cadorette and her husband, Ralph of Arlington, MA. She leaves 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Beverly J. Ford of Sarasota, FL. Her sister Carol Joy predeceased her in 1943. Nancy attended Nottingham High School in Syracuse and graduated from Smith College in 1950. Nancy and Caleb first settled in Springfield, Vermont where Nancy worked at Springfield Hospital. They later resided in Dayton, Ohio and Rochester, New York before moving to Worcester in 1961. When her children headed to college, Nancy went back to school to Worcester State College, Clark University and Assumption College and became a certified teacher in Massachusetts for English, History and Guidance Counseling. She was employed in several capacities in the Worcester area including Massachusetts Department of Education as the Executive Director of the Citizens Resource Center in West Boylston and later as a Resource Coordinator. She was the Executive Secretary for the International Linguistics Association at Clark University, and was the Blood Services Director for the Central Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross in the late 70s. Nancy’s passion was the game of bridge. She was a Silver Life Master Bridge player and played regularly at several bridge clubs and tournaments in the Worcester area. She and her husband taught bridge to those interested in learning to play the game. She loved traveling around the world visiting 102 countries including trips to Scandinavia, Africa, Far East, Mexico, Caribbean, and Europe. She continued on many world adventures on her own even after the passing of her husband Caleb, including a boat trip encircling Australia. She was most proud of her family and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She lived at Briarwood Retirement Community for 17 years and she enjoyed walking several miles nearly every day. Nancy was an active member of First Baptist Church in Worcester. She was a Corporater at the Briarwood Retirement Community and served in many capacities for the Residents Association, including two years as President. Over the years she volunteered for several civic and charitable organizations in Worcester including: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Past President of the Junior League of Worcester, Memorial Hospital Aid Society in Worcester, President of Smith College Club of Worcester, Vice President of the Worcester Area League of Women Voters, Recording Secretary of the YWCA in Worcester, and Board Member of the Worcester Community Action Council. She was a member of PEO organization. She was deeply involved in the organizations she served and was a true friend to all who knew her. Relatives and Friends are invited to a Memorial Celebration to be held on Friday June 29th at 11 a.m. at the Briarwood Retirement Community, The Birches, Loring Auditorium, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Briarwood Retirement Community, payable to The Salem Community Corporation, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester MA 01606. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book."