She and my father, Morris, were married on August 2, 1941 and had six children: Sandra, Marilyn, Elliot AH, Stanley, Dennis and me (Allen). As a bonus, she had Joyce Brown, Rachel Brown, and Audi Brown, her daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, Charlie Botton and 15 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She loved life, her family and friends, but most of all she loved Hashem. Mom was a giver. She always helped the underdog. When I was about 15 years old, I asked her how I was going to make it in this world. She replied, Dont worry, Hashem will be with you, and she was so right.
What else can I say about her? She was one-of-a-kind. Her passing marks the end of an era. She taught us to love, to share, to care, to be kind, to give and so much more. Even at the end of her time on this earth, she praised Hashem and sang songs.
Mom, I know youre here with us now and watching over us. I thank Hashem for giving me 60 wonderful years with you. I love you! You will be with me forever.
Your loving son,
Allen
I have many fond memories of my grandmother, Jean Brown. My memories are probably very similar to most people from our community. We all have a warm place in our heart when we smell calsonas cooking or see kibbeh. I remember seeing the women of my family sitting around the table and making tray after tray of food for the holidays. Recently, my 8 year old son asked my mother and all her friends, who were playing cards, to make sambusac for lunch. So the five woman sent me to buy flour and when I returned, I was brought back to my childhood, watching my grandmother and her sisters cooking.
I remember so many wonderful things about her. She taught me many lessons, and I think the most important of all was about charity. She believed in giving to others, even when she didnt have for herself. My cousin Elliot Brown recently told a story that I had never heard before. In 1983, a rabbi, at her door, asked for money for a needy family. She gave the man all the money she had$250, which was a lot of money to give to someone knocking on your doorbut she didnt hesitate. One year later, her uncle left her $250,000 in his will. She said G-d had given her back 1,000 times what she gave that rabbi. She once told me that if someone asks you for charity, even if you think they dont need it, or that they may not use it for what it is intended, you should give something anyway.
My grandmothers generosity was unlimited. When she was a child, adults and guests were always fed before children, to make sure there was enough food. She thought this was wrong; so throughout her adult life, she always fed her children first.
She supported the underdog and fought for people who couldnt fight for themselves. She taught me about life and how to treat women. She taught me not to judge anyone and to look at things from their perspective.
Julia Jean Brown was a very wise woman, a very strong woman and intensely loyal. She had the incredible gift of convincing all her grandchildren, and great grandchildren that they were her favorite. She was a great woman and I will miss her. I feel a huge loss and will for the rest of my life. However, I know I was incredibly lucky to have her in my life. I will love you forever, Grandma.
Love always,
Michael Botton
