Obituary for Mrs. Eleanor M. Brown

Eleanor (Ellie) M. Brown, age 91, of Dover township, Dover, died peacefully at 6:38 PM Thursday February 2, 2023, at Providence Place with family by her side.  She was the wife of the late Paul J. Brown, Jr., and partner of Thomas L. Wonderly.

Born December 2, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, she was a daughter of the late Paul J. and Hazel (Noonan) Bowen.  A graduate of West Chester State Teachers College, she was retired from Central York School District.

Mrs. Brown is survived by daughter, Tracy A. Benenson, and her husband Ron Benenson of York; a son, Paul Joseph Brown III, and his partner Lisa Mennet of Seattle, Washington; five grandchildren: Daniel Benenson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,  Rachel Benenson and her husband Chris Oest of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Sophia Laakso-Brown and Cornelia Laakso-Brown of Portland, Oregon and Lucy Brown of Seattle, Washington, a sister, Susan Walsh, of Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, and Tom’s children, Cheryl Wonderly, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and Brian Wonderly, of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania.

Ellie was a gifted caregiver as a teacher and daycare provider and helped to raise many children. She taught kindergarten upon graduation and later became a substitute teacher for Central York School District in the elementary schools. She was the Assistant Director of the York Hospital Day Care Center until she left to provide care to her grandchildren and many other families. Ellie was deeply loving and loyal to everyone in her life, always there for family and friends with calls, visits and companionship. She made sure that everyone lucky enough to know her knew that she cared for them.

Her favorite things were spending time with family and friends, reading and doing puzzles with Tom. Ellie was an avid world traveler.  She traveled extensively in Europe and South America and had a particular love for Ireland. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. Ellie loved cruises, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and through the Panama Canal, and she always made sure to send her family postcards.  She enjoyed spending time by the water at pools and beaches but rarely got wet.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM Sunday March 12, 2023, at the Out Door Country Club, 1157 Detwiler Drive, York, with Dr. Mary Ligon officiating.  A reception with the family will immediately follow.  Private burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery. Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc. 863 South George Street, York, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the York County Food Bank, 254 W Princess St, York, PA 17401, or a charity of your choice.