Edith Ann Browne

Obituary

Known as “Bunny” as a child, she had an idyllic childhood filled with books and snow in Brockport, NY with her parents Belva & Clyde, and brother Todd.

Never a vacationer, always a traveler, she instilled a love of travel in her family and others. Trading in college classes to satisfy her wanderlust, she traveled much of Europe on her own before finishing her degree. Following graduation, she lived and taught in Athens, Greece before moving back and living in New York, New Jersey, and Venice, Florida. She could usually be found with a great novel or tending to her garden.

She spent over 25 years teaching English as a second language to elementary school students, a job she found both fulfilling and joyful.

Edith is survived by her daughter Anni who aspires to be as good a baker as her mom, her son Ted who is a much less patient gardener, daughter-in-law Danielle, son-in-law John, and 3 wonderful granddaughters who are as fiercely independent as she was.

In lieu of flowers, her family welcomes donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 

Memory wall

October 1, 2026

I met Edith about 30 years ago at Volunteer Ventures. What a special lady she was! I miss all the laughs! She had such a great sense of humor!

Susan Silverstein

October 1, 2026

I miss my dear friend. We became close in Jr High school and I knew I had met my match. We endlessly schemed up situations that were rarely acted on. All fun.
Bunny was so interesting and was a first with pierced ears, Ahmad Jamal album, Vassar, travel, etc.
In our adult years she, Ted and Anni would visit me in my many homes.
I enjoyed Bunny’s book, movie and tv picks and will miss them.
I admired Bunny for her devotion to her mother, success as a single mother, fearlessness and humble demeanor.
I will forever be grateful for our friendship.

Lynn Skelton

September 26, 2026

I remember Bunny with great fondness. We were grade school, then high school classmates. I swear she was a full fledged bibliophile while still in the womb. By 4th grade she had already built a personal library. I remember being truly envious of her complete collection of Nancy Drew mysteries. My goodness, Bunny was so bright, and so kind, and so modest. She was just a wonderful gal.

Sydney (Wigtil) Pasternack

September 25, 2026

Growing up Ms Browne was super warm, welcoming and treated me like I was part of the family. Ted and I would spend endless hours in the pool and hang out at the house. I appreciate every moment she gave us. Andy

Andrew Chang

September 24, 2026

Always kind and welcoming, she gave us love so generously that even though we were not related by blood, she was “our aunt”… our favorite aunt!

I will remember her love, her care for everybody, her intelligence, her humor and her patience as well as the genuine interest she showed in our culture.

Η αγαπημένη μου Θεία Edith might not be here but she will always be in our minds and our hearts!

Tina Pylarinou

September 23, 2026

Bunny and I grew up together in Brockport, and were friends and classmates through high school. We shared many good times together: conversations, laughter, nonsense, serious moments. Although I haven't seen her in a number of years, I'll miss her and remember her fondly as my lost youth recedes.

Richard Morrison

September 22, 2026

Edith and I taught at Memorial School for many years. She was the ESL teacher and I was Special Ed. When I retired Edith asked me if I would be interested in teaching a boy from Japan. At first, I felt intimidated but Edith assured me that I could do it. She said that a friendly face and warm encouragement were the most important lessons I could give that child. Edith lived what she preached. Over many years of teaching she gave her students that same encouragement and support.

Edith along with Carmen Shumer were members of a book club which started in 1989. Edith's perceptive and passionate take on books contributed to many lively discussions.
She had informed and strong opinions, but most importantly she was a friend to us all

James Drew

September 22, 2026

Edith (lovingly known as “Edy” to me) was a very special presence throughout my childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. I will always be grateful for the love and care she showed me, especially after the loss of my own mother at age 16.

Edy opened her home to me to help bridge the gap of my long college and work commutes, giving me a place to stay and a dinner table to join. This was an especially challenging time in my life, and her encouragement to stay on the path to finishing college and starting my career helped me through it all. I have wonderful memories of being included in holiday dinners, inspiring (and funny!) conversations, and delicious summer cookouts in her backyard. She inspired me to travel, ask questions, and look at the world with curiosity and a critical mind.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had her in my life and I send our family’s love to Anni, Ted, and their families. Edy will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a truly inspiring woman.

Lauren Greager

September 21, 2026

Aunt Bunny showed love without expecting anything in return. She was the embodiment of joy and love, and she taught others through the way she lived. I hope to be half the woman you were, Aunt Bunny. I promise to go to Europe for you. I love you.

Avery Browne

September 21, 2026

What a beautiful picture of Edy. I wouldn’t be living in Venice if not for Edy. I was lucky to travel to gardens and other spots in Florida with her and Marge. Miss her so much. I hated seeing her go thru all that she did. What a wonderful person and friend.

Judy Mynoz

September 21, 2026

Edy and I became very close friends and travel companions when we both arrived in Florida in 2012. It was an instant connection due to our shared interests in gardening, travels, and sewing, among other things. We made many trips to gardens here in Florida, and traveled to Europe, North Africa, and Canada. Edy had an astounding lot of knowledge about the history of the places we visited. There are many funny memories from our trips.

Edy also started a book club here, where we meet and have lunch. Sometimes we also talk about books. Our sewing get-togethers often ended up with “Well, I guess I can use it for a bathing suit coverup.”

I will miss Edy’s kindness, her interest in people, and her friendship. I wish we would have had more time together.

Marge Josephson

September 21, 2026

Edith and I became close friends at Memorial Elementary School where we both taught.
We shared many interests and had many adventures together. Both of us loved to garden, to read, and to listen to jazz. She loved traveling and so did I, and we would talk about our travels together. She had a terrific sense of humor and we always had lots of laughs together. She was blessed to have such wonderful children and she really enjoyed traveling with them. I will hold the many memories I have of her in my heart forever. May her memory be a blessing for you and your family.

Carol Bratman

September 21, 2026

Edy's eyes sparkled when she grinned during our Thursday morning "Chat" sessions. Her comments were always wise. I wish we had had more time in her company.

Marcia Kaiser

September 21, 2026

I became very good friends with Edy when she moved to South Orange about 3 years ago. We shared many common interests...gardening, reading, sewing and gin & tonics! Our friendship was far too brief - I wish that we could have had more time together to enjoy adventures. Her wanderlust for life just never faded! My deepest sympathy to all of her family.

Maryann Polefka

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