Mary Jane (McCoo) Brown, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at Benchmark Senior Living at Putnam Farm.
Born on January 14, 1937, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Charles and Nettie McCoo. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1954 and later attended secretarial school in Lynn. While attending school, Mary Jane met the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Brown. The two were married on September 15, 1957. Ted and “MJ,” as they were affectionately known, shared 63 years of marriage and together raised four children.
Mary Jane was soft spoken and kind. Her greatest joy and priority were always her family, and she especially loved celebrating Christmas. Those fortunate enough to visit her home during the Christmas season were welcomed by beautiful Christmas trees, elaborate holiday decorations, and Mary Jane’s remarkable collection of Santas. Halloween was another holiday favorite of Mary Jane’s. Residents of Manchester fondly remember the transformation of her Tappan Street home into a haunted house each year. She also loved quilting and created dozens of quilts for family and friends.
As a mother, Mary Jane led by example. She treated everyone she met with kindness and respect, accepted people for who they were, and was a wonderful listener. She was the first person her children called with good news and the first person they called when life became difficult. Her gentle spirit and steady presence touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
Mary Jane is survived by her loving children: Anastasia Brown and her partner, Daniel Gordon, of Rockport; Charles Brown of Wayland and his fiancée, Cynthia Janisch; James Brown and his wife, Carroll, of Essex; and David Brown and his fiancé, Brian Lawner, of Provincetown. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jessica Brown and her fiancé, Troy Singh-Derewa; Zachary Brown and his partner, Emily Golinko; Matthew Picard and his wife, Catherine; and Nairi Brown, as well as her sisters-in-law, Katherine Bulgaris and Pauline Brown. In addition to her husband, Ted, she was predeceased by her sister, Elaine Carpenter.
A burial service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
