Mary Brown's Obituary
SAN DIEGO, CA. – It is with profound sadness that we
announce the death of Mary Ellen Brown on Feb. 3, 2026, at
the age of 84. She was a cherished mother, grandmother,
teacher and friend who left an indelible mark on those who
knew her.
Born on Nov. 5, 1941, in Merill, Wisconsin, Mary was the youngest
daughter of Chester and Ellen Funk. She graduated from Martin
Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1963 and began teaching
in a one-room Lutheran school in Pomona, Ca. She met Raymond
Paul “Pete” Brown Jr. there and they married in December of 1964.
They moved to San Diego for his aerospace work and she got a job
as a sixth grade teacher at Francis W. Parker school in 1965. They
later divorced
During her 43 years at the school, she was beloved by her students. She used
innovative methods to inspire her classes, including doing magic tricks and creating an
annual “Ikidarod” race in memory of former student Alex Szekeley. Mary also enjoyed
water aerobics, watching Padres games and taking an active role in her church,
Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Michelle Marie Miller, and her grandsons, Benjamin
Ley Miller and Scott William Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents and all
three siblings , Barbara, Ronald and Richard.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on. March 28 at the Mission Hills campus of
Francis W. Parker School. Family and friends are invited to attend and share
memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mary Brown
Scholarship Fund at Francis Parker:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/10962/donations/new
Select Named Endowment Fund and type in "Mary Brown Fund" in the
designation field.
Mary was truly one of a kind and her legacy of love and learning will live
on through those she touched.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?