Florence Louise Brown

LONG ISLAND – Florence Louise Brown (known as Flo or Flossie), 97, of Long Island, Maine, passed away at her home on Nov. 25, 2025. She was born at home in Harrisburg, Pa., on Jan. 3, 1928. She was the daughter of Benjamin Hawkins Bowers and Ethel Elizabeth (Nissley) Bowers of Harrisburg, Pa.

She married John O. Brown (of 56 years) on Aug. 3, 1946, who passed away on Dec. 26, 2002. Together they raised six children, Benjamin C. Brown (wife, Linda) of Liberty, N.H., Roxanne R. Olmsted (husband, Gary Crabtree) of The Villages, Fla., Corvette K. Buchanan (husband, Michael) of Buxton, Bradley B. Brown of Long Island, Velinda V. Brown of Auburn, Mass., and Towanda D. Brown of Long Island. She had 11 grandchildren, Corey Olmsted, Katrina Olmsted, Eliza Dunne, Megan Jolly, Gerald Buchanan (passed in 1979), Michael Buchanan, Rebecca Palmer, Kimberly and Alissa Palumbo, John Barry Middleton, Jennifer Chasse, and a niece, Linda Billett of York, Pennsylvania. She had 10 great grandchildren.

Florence grew up in Lemoine, Pa., where she played basketball and in the high school band and marched with Drum and Bugle Corp in Macy’s Day parade. She was a former tap dancer and singer at Myers Studio and worked as a fashion model at Pomeroy’s Department Store.

John, and Flo settled on a 165 acre farm in Bowdoinham, after her husband was relocated to the Brunswick Naval Air Base. She wore many hats in Bowdoinham, a basketball and softball coach, Club Scout Leader, PTA, member of the theater, member of the Grange Hall, a butcher, and volunteer in the fire department. Florence made news when she became Justice of Peace in 1962, as a busy young mother of six. She worked as an LPN (20-plus years) at both Brunswick and Osteopathic Hospital in Maine. Flo was involved in multiple election campaigns for many Maine politicians, governors, and former presidents during her years.

She later worked as secretary in the Portland Navy Recruiting Office supporting her husband as the recruiter covering Maine and parts of New Hampshire for many years. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband in their R.V. camper across this wonderful country that they both loved before moving to Long Island. She loved to go hunting with her husband and sons, Ben, and Brad, and at the age of 82 when on her last moose hunt. She officiated two weddings for her grandchildren. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, eventually became President for many years. She ran the Friday Bingo in the summer months and helped with events at the VFW Post 9605. Our mom hosted the family Fourth of July lobster feast at the Island. Flo was Miss Long Island in 2023.

Flo enjoyed football and baseball, especially the Army/Navy games. She enjoyed traveling to Florida after the passing of her husband, but most of all she loved her home that her husband built on Long Island. She was the matriarch of the family and will be remembered for her smile and zest for life, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. She will sadly be missed by all and is now with her beloved husband.

A celebration of life is planned for this coming summer. A burial ceremony will be held with family privately. We would like to thank all of her care-givers on Long Island and Hospice of Southern Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the Long Island Wellness Council, PO Box 263, Long Island, Maine 04050, or to Long Island Fire and Rescue, PO Box 262, Long Island, ME 04050 or to Hospice of Southern ME., 390 US Rt One,

Scarborough, ME 04074.