Obituary of Joanne Marie Brown

Joanne Marie (Lorenson) Brown, a beloved resident of Burlington for 53 years, passed away peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice Facility in Danvers on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 81. Joanne was born and raised in Cambridge, the cherished daughter of Charles and Madeline Lorenson.

Joanne's heart was forever intertwined with her beloved husband, Alan Brown, whom she met while dancing with friends. Their story began in 1967, leading to their marriage and the start of their beautiful family. After living in Arlington, the couple made Burlington their home in 1972, where they raised their children and built a life filled with love and laughter.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Joanne was passionate about providing her family with enriching experiences. She took her children and later her grandchildren on countless adventures—visiting museums, attending theater performances, exploring parks, and discovering historical sites, all in an effort to broaden their horizons and deepen their appreciation for the world. Joanne was also a constant source of support for her children’s sports and personal interests, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

Joanne’s love of travel brought her to many wonderful places—whether it was magical trips to Disney World and Marco Island, exploring the charm of England, or relaxing vacations in the mountains and beaches of New Hampshire. In recent years, she enjoyed day trips to local beaches, parks, and restaurants. While Alan biked for hours along the coast, Joanne would be content in her own way, reading her favorite books. She had a deep love for reading, indulging in a variety of genres, from history and fiction to romance and science fiction. Always curious, she stayed connected with the world through technology, enjoying time spent on the computer and the web. She also found joy in nature, eagerly watching the birds that visited her feeder.

Joanne had a way with words, always articulate, with a touch of old-fashioned Irish wit and stubbornness that made her unforgettable. Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every precious moment spent with them. Joanne’s warmth, kindness, and steadfast love will be deeply missed but forever cherished. She will hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to shine brightly through the stories shared by her loved ones.

Joanne was the beloved wife of Alan Brown for 58 years.  She was the loving supportive mother and mother-in-law of Kim Susi & her husband Tony of Stoneham and Christopher Brown & his wife Lauren of Georgetown.  She was the sister of Charlene Wilkin of St. Augustine, FL and the late Lorraine Lorenson.  Joanne was the especially proud grandmother of Cassandra Susi, Maddison Brown, and Mia Brown. 

Funeral services were private.  Those may want to remember and honor Joanne may make a donation in her memory to the National Audubon Society, www.audubon.org. 

Arrangements were under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home in Burlington.  For the online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net