Margaret June Brown

June 1, 1927 - July 14, 2015

Margaret June Brown, 88, of Rome, Pa passed away at her home, surrounded by those she loved, on July 14, 2015. Tough as nails, soft as silk, classy and crude. That was Margaret June Brown. Known as "Booner" or "June Bug" but no one ever doubted that June was one of the most unique and wonderful people they had ever met. Her life was filled with glamour and fun and experiences that most people never imagine. She was a member of the "Screen Actors Guild" and, in her younger years, was often made reference to in the society columns in New York City. She would have been seen having dinner with such notables as Henry Fonda or Jane Mansfield or Patty Duke. She had landed parts in a couple of movies, "The Wrong Man" and "A Face in the Crowd" and others. After June had finished the 'movies' chapter of her life she purchased and ran an antique shop in New York, Salmagundi Antiques. She loved the look and the smell and the texture of old things. She knew that every piece had a story. She knew that every piece had been loved by someone. The stories would never be told, but she knew they existed in abundance. In the process of finding things to sell in her store, she found herself attending auctions on a regular basis and eventually decided that she could do that herself. The auctioneers were gregarious and sharp and got the job done with the wonderful declaration of "SOLD!" Auctioneering became her passion and she did it for years. She was proud of the way she did the job and built the business and the service it rendered to the community. June was a lover of animals. At one point she sat on the board of "Stray Haven," a shelter for lost or abandoned animals. Her heart went out to these innocent creatures. She always said part of her love for dogs and cats was the fact that "they don't have a voice." She felt that we need to watch out for our faithful companions to the very best of our ability. Over the years she had numerous pets in her home - dogs, cats, ducks... her Scotties Barto, Balto and Whiskers.... her cats - always white ones: Tom Tom, Whiskers and "the lovely Ava." But, of course, the greatest love of her life was her dear Harry. Harry died back in 1984 - thirty one years ago. She never really got over losing him. They fell in love when they were young. Harry was in the Navy. They were married in the Navy Chapel. She saw him rise in the ranks to the office of Captain. She loved being an officer's wife. She loved the parties and social events and even some of the politics that went along with that life. After she lost Harry, life somehow managed to go on. She worked hard and made a life for herself. Eventually that hard work made her financially independent - one of her goals. She didn't want to depend on anyone nor to be a burden. At one point along the way June heard the doctor's say that dreaded 'c' word. She had breast cancer. But she joined in the fight and wouldn't even consider letting it beat her. And, of course, it didn't. She took the medicines and had the surgeries and never gave up and never gave in until she was victorious. Her philosophy of life was always "make the best of what you have" but that never meant, for her, that she would not make BETTER whatever it was that came her way. More than anything else, it was June's faith that got her through losing Harry and breast cancer and any number of other crisis' that came along. She had a deep seated and solid belief in the spiritual life and God working it all out for good. She had a saying. She called it FROG. It meant "Fully Rely On God." She lived that way and encouraged others to do so, too. If a person didn't have a faith that could see them through, she'd tell them to "Build a bridge and get over it. That’s show business and remember it’s all show business.” June was not a woman who would put up with self-pity or wallowing in one's problems. She was never afraid to say just what she thought. If that meant people wouldn't like her, that didn't really bother her too much. She believed that people were either going to like you or, if they didn't, they might pretend to. That was good enough for her. June was straight-forward and direct. She was confident and had an amazing zest for life. She was colorful and audacious and bold. She was the kind of woman who was not easily handled but, to her friends, there could be none better. She was compassionate and giving. She had a heart as big as the sky. June loved to read and do research. She knew all about spiritualism and numerology and geology and all kinds of other things. She had such an inquiring mind. If she got especially passionate about something she read and wanted to share it, she'd give you an article that she had marked up with a highlighter and she'd underline the important parts. But most didn't find that too helpful. They'd look at the article and see that EVERY line was highlighted and EVERY line was underlined throughout the entire piece. It was ALL of utmost importance. June often bought lottery tickets. After she bought one she would always tell people what good things she would do with the money if she won. She believed that if you did that, you just might have a better chance of winning. Even though she didn't ever win, just thinking about all the good she would do gave her pleasure. The world doesn't see many Margaret June Browns. The life she lived, her spunk, her courage, her charisma... We've all suffered a loss at losing her. Her last couple of years were her most difficult. She couldn't get out much. And that hurt. She loved people and being with them. She treasured her care givers who let her playout her final scene as written, at home. They were wonderful. But being 'out there' was her joy. Being with people she loved was her life. There is no doubt that she would leave us with something she often said - a quick blessing - and we would gladly say it back to her - Mozel Tov, June. Mozel Tov. Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation and time of sharing memories on Monday, July 20th fro 1 – 2 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A celebration of her life, will follow at 2 pm. June will be laid to rest, next to her beloved Harry in the Rome Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Union Valley Mennonite Church, Local Outreach Program, 2071 Battle Creek Rd., Ulster, PA 18850 in loving memory of Margaret June Brown.