Dorothy Brown

Dorothy May Brown lived a quiet and uncomplicated life, but it was a life filled with the happiness of family and friends. Her story is a story of love for her husband, children and grandchildren. There were tragedies in her 83 years on this earth, but she met each one with determination to make the most of each day, no matter what. Whether she was enjoying the treasures of neighborhood garage sales, or just taking a day trip with her husband, each and every day was a moment to be cherished. Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. In 1927, the advent of flight took a giant step when Charles Lindbergh made the first trans-Atlantic solo flight from New York to Paris. In Benton Harbor, Michigan, the Benton Harbor Development Company was organized to attract industries to the City. The Roaring Twenties were boom years and inspired the building of new hotels, office buildings, schools and churches. In the midst of this boom, Cazmier and Julia (Lick) Pontiatowski were living in Benton Harbor, raising their two children, Vincent and Helen, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby number three. On March 21, the whole family welcomed the arrival of Dorothy May. The Pontiatowski family was now complete. When Dorothy was still very young, the family packed up and moved to the Pinchtown area of Muskegon, 90 miles north on the shores of Lake Michigan. She and her siblings enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, playing with other children in the neighborhood. The family was very proud of their Polish heritage and they all enjoyed listening to and sometimes dancing to lively polka music. Like many children of that time, Dorothy completed school through the eighth grade, and then left school to find work to help her family. For the next few years, she worked for the Basely Meat Company and waitressed at local restaurants. But at the age of seventeen, her life was changed forever. While out with some friends, she was introduced to a young serviceman named Edward Brown. Ed was older than Dorothy, and was on his way to serve in the Pacific during World War II. But the spark of love had been lit, and while Ed was away, Dorothy and he wrote letters and poetry to each other, promising to be together when he returned. These letter were so precious to Dorothy, she saved each and every one. When Ed came safely home and was discharged, Dorothy married her sweetheart on Valentines Day, February 14, 1948. A fitting day for these young people so much in love. Dorothys life changed again later that year when her first child was born, a son they named Robert. Over the next several years, the family grew with the additions of sons Edward, Ronald and Rich. They were a big family but managed to fit in a small two-bedroom home on MacArthur Street on the east side of Muskegon. Ed worked at Continental Motors while Dorothy had her hands full caring for four active young boys. Dorothy knew how to stretch a dollar and had the passion and the knack for finding treasures at flea markets and garage sales. Some items she kept, but others she sold in her own garage sales. These were regular occurrences in their front yard, and Dorothy often enlisted her sons to help out. She even took items to a booth at the Golden Token or other area flea markets. One of her favorite items was greeting cards, which she would by for a good price and then sell in her booth for a profit. Dorothy had been a smoker most of her adult life and in 1976 she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Dr. Swedenburg performed the surgery, removing a lung and presenting Dorothy with the dim prognosis that she only had five more years to live. Dr. Swedenburg did not know the determination with which Dorothy lived her life, and with her strong will to live, she went on to enjoy almost thirty more years. Once the boys were grown and living on their own, Dorothy and Ed liked to take day trips in their car. They were never long trips, because with her health, she wanted to stay fairly close to home. However, one day, when they set out to buy groceries, they ended up shopping in Indiana, returning home with the needed items. In spite of health complications, Dorothy not only enjoyed her day trips but continued to scour flea markets and garage sales. When her beloved Ed passed away in 1999, Dorothy moved into the Carriage Home Apartments. Here she was able to spend time with her friends and her sister Helen. Knowing what their mother loved best, her sons would take her to the flea markets and garage sales, where she often bought baby clothes which she would then donate to Love, Inc. an organization that helps those in need. Dorothy always put the needs of others before her own. As her health diminished, Dorothy moved in with her son Ed, at Park Meadows Trailer Park. With the help of her son and friends, Dorothy continued to enjoy the days of her life. But eventually emphysema and the years began to take their toll. Spending time with her family and having a good time with all those around her was what Dorothy truly liked to do best. The emptiness caused by her passing will be filled with the wonderful memories she created with those she loved. She will be dearly missed. Dorothy M. Brown, age 83, died Thursday, June 10, 2010. Her family includes her sons Edward (Cindy) Brown, Ronald Brown of GA, and Richard (Sonya) Brown of Norton Shores; her grandchildren Jordon, Sophie, Adele, and Adam and great-grandson Ayden. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999, son Robert in 2006, grandson Timmy in 1977, and her brother Vincent and sister Helen. The Family would like to give a heart felt thank-you to those who cared for and prayed for Dorothys life. Especially Cindy and her children Amber, Russ, Brianna, Torie and Allyssa. Please know that Dorothy loved you all very much and that you made her smile. And also to David, Tonia, Britt, Mary and Kris whom walked into Dorothys life and made her feel special. May God Bless you all. Visitation is Tuesday from 6 8 PM and Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon. Services will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place at Norton Cemetery. Please visit Dorothys personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.