Barbara Jean Brown

Barbara J. Brown

ASHTABULA – Barbara J. Brown, 78, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday morning January 1, 2023, as she was getting ready to go to Sunday Mass.

A lifelong resident of Ashtabula, she was born here on April 5, 1944, the daughter of Ralph and Virginia (Rose) Buona.

She was a graduate of Harbor High School’s Class of 1962.  Following graduation, she enrolled in the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing.  She became a state licensed Registered Nurse and worked for the Cleveland Clinic and Ashtabula General Hospital until she took on the best job of her life; being a full-time mom.  On August 27, 1966 she married Warren Brown; they were blessed with 56 years of marriage, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a lifetime of priceless family memories.

She was a devout Catholic; a lifelong member of Mother of Sorrows Church and proud supporter of St. John School and Catholic education.  She was an animal lover who would rescue and care for any cat or dog in the neighborhood.  Her family was her life, she always felt so blessed to have the husband and children God gave her and she was such a proud grandmother and absolutely adored all 6 of her grandchildren. 

She is survived by her husband Warren; her children: Christina (Ben) Meola, Timothy (Kimberly) Brown, and Melissa (John) Zarbo; her grandchildren: Benjamin Meola, Joseph Meola, Matthew Brown, Jacob (Lauren) Brown, Rachel Brown and Andrew Zarbo; and her brother Ralph (Chris) Buona.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Mother of Sorrows Church, 1464 W. 6^th Street, Ashtabula.  Calling hours will be from 11:00-12:00 and the funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

An online obituary and a place to leave a condolence can be found at www.czupfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, 21281 Chardon Road, Euclid, Ohio 44117