Mary Ellen Brown

Mary Ellen Brown, 85, of Port Tobacco, MD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, surrounded by her family with love. Mary Ellen was born on August 24, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy McVeigh. Mary Ellen grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1957. She enjoyed traveling back to Atlantic City to spend time with her childhood friend, the late Ellen Duffy, and attend high school reunions. After High School, Mary Ellen began working for United Airlines as a stewardess. She loved traveling the world and would often take her mother on amazing trips. In 1966, Terry Brown and Mary Ellen met, and their love story began in Bryans Road, Maryland. Terry and Mary Ellen were married on August 6, 1966. Soon after moving to the Southern Maryland area, Mary Ellen began her 40 plus years as the “Cake Lady.” Not only did her cakes taste delicious, but they were also beautiful. Mary Ellen perfected her “secret icing recipe,” that is known to no one. To this day, it is not uncommon to hear “Mary Ellen Brown did my wedding cake”. Soon after the birth of their three children, Terence R Brown, Jr., Mary Jane, and Sean, the family moved to La Plata, Maryland. While living in La Plata, the family was active members of Sacred Heart Church. Mary Ellen continued her cake business and generously donated many cakes to all. Mary Ellen enjoyed meeting people and never forgot a special occasion or birthday. She had a radiant smile and warm heart. Although she was busy making cakes on Saturdays, Mary Ellen enjoyed cheering on her children at swim meets. She loved competition and pushing the limits. She often was the biggest cheerleader from behind the scenes, but her presence was known. Mary Ellen loved her family and was a proud swim mom. In 1998, Terry and Mary Ellen moved to Port Tobacco, Maryland, where the family continued their faith at St. Catherine’s McConchie Catholic Church. Mary Ellen loved spending time with her children and being pampered at Sunday Dinners. In 2005, Mary Ellen became a grandmom for the first time. It was at that point that Mary Ellen’s name changed to MeMe. MeMe loved to attend her grandchildren’s school events, swim meets, cheer competitions, and football games. She had the biggest smile on her face when her grandchildren walked into the room. Over the past few years, Mary Ellen became MeMe to many children that came in and out of the house. She had many nicknames for her grandchildren’s friends and would always point out fresh haircuts. She enjoyed watching soaps and having lunch with friends. She was truly loved by many and will be missed. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband, Terence R. Brown, Sr. and her brother, John McVeigh. Mary Ellen is survived by her two sons, Terence R. Brown, Jr. and his wife Jessica, Sean M. Brown and his wife Heather; one daughter, Mary Jane Brown Cupples and her husband Gene; four grandchildren, Kaeleigh Cupples, Clinton Cupples, Jaytee Brown, and Skylar Brown; one sister Dorothy Altemus; one brother Joseph McVeigh. A visitation will be held on Wednesday January 22, 2025 from 4PM until 8PM with 7PM prayers and a Funeral Mass on Thursday January 23, 2025 at 10AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. Interment will be private, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Ellen’s name to St. Catherine of Alexandria, 7640 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677.

Mary Ellen Brown

August 24, 1939 - January 7, 2025