Germaine A. Brown

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Germaine A. Brown, who peacefully left this world on June 4, 2024, at the age of 90. Her unwavering faith in God and her immense love for her family were the cornerstones of her remarkable life.

Born in Fountain Hill on January 6, 1934, Germaine, daughter to the late William and Agnes (Albeck) Dick, and devoted wife to the late Charles A. Brown, was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. She devoted herself to the service of the Lord and the Blessed Mother Mary radiating their love through her every action. Her life was a testament to her faith, her strength, her boundless compassion, and extreme generosity.

In 1951, she graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School. Following graduation, until she got married, she worked as a secretary at the former Bethlehem National Bank.

As a daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, Germaine blessed us all with her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support. She is survived by her 12 children: Dr. Anthony Brown (Georgene), Charmaine Brown, Michael Brown (Diane), Patrick Brown (Sandy), Mary Gotzon (Dave), Bernard Brown (Melissa), John Brown (Cindy), Ann Marie Brown (Moises), Christopher Brown (Dr. Mehdy Yavari), Rose Marie Vash (Butch), Kathleen Knowlton (Bob), and Jayne Csaszar (Lou). She was predeceased by her daughter, Christine Marie Brown. She is also survived by her 32 Grandchildren; 28 Great-grandchildren, the youngest being born on June 3, 2024; Four brothers, William Dick, Joseph Dick, Cletus Dick (Gloria), and Kenneth Dick (Olga), and sister, Annette Potkovac; Brother-in-law, Joseph Brown (Alison), and Sister-in-law, Elizabeth Smith (Ron); and countless extended family members and dear friends and grand-dog, Butters. She was predeceased by sisters, Sr. Mary Cuthberta, IHM, Rita Gallo, Georgene Hummel, and brother, Bernard Dick.

Throughout her life, she was an active member of S.S. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and then St. Anne's Catholic Church. Through her involvement with the Legion of Mary Society for 35 years, she found great joy in worship and fellowship and praying the rosary with the sick. Her dedication to her faith was evident in her daily prayers, especially praying the rosary several times a day, and her inspiring ability to see God's hand in every aspect of life.

Her home was a haven of love, laughter, and the aroma of her famous cookies and kiffles, always welcoming family and friends with open arms. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith will continue to guide and inspire us all. She taught us to love rather than hate and that it is more important to be kind than to be right! Heaven definitely gained an angel.

To celebrate Germaine's life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 E. Washington Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017. There will be a viewing on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 and again on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Anne's Church. We invite all who knew and loved her to join us in honoring her memory and celebrating the incredible impact she had on so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help cover medical expenses incurred by her 20-year-old grandson, Robert, who is battling cancer. Checks may be made payable to Kathleen Knowlton in care of the Connell Funeral Home.

May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of God she cherished so dearly, and reunited with those who have gone before her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master." - Matthew 25:23

The Brown Family