Jessie Ann Brown

Jessie Ann Brown (nee Neilson) was born on June 7, 1912 and departed the world peacefully from Novato, California on Monday, October 31, 2011 at the age of 99.

Conceived in Scotland to Scottish parents, Jessie was born in Sacramento, California. After deciding to leave on April 7, 1912 (and thereby foregoing sailing on the doomed "Titanic"), her parents Francis W. Neilson and Jessie A. Gunn MacKenzie sailed from Glasgow, Scotland on the ship "Columbia". Landing in New York, Jessie's parents wasted no time in going to California, which was the land of paradise according to her father. They traveled by train across the country and though they wished to settle in San Francisco, Jessie's impending birth landed them in Sacramento. After a few years in Sacramento, Jessie was old enough to travel and the family continued to Mill Valley in 1915. Jessie lived in a haunted house and attended kindergarten in Mill Valley but after a short time the family relocated again to San Francisco. Jessie became a big sister to her brother Bill in 1916 and also was in the first graduating class of Balboa High School in 1931.

After graduating high school Jessie found difficulty finding employment due to the Great Depression. She became a nanny and then a hairdresser. When she met her late husband Arthur L. Brown in 1941 she was a regular fan of hair dye. Never knowing what to expect, Arthur would always be surprised by the latest color of the week! Eventually she settled down – both with Arthur on September 1, 1941 and with her hair color (she opted for a rich red).

Jessie worked on and off in the 1940s for the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1954 she began working in the men's department at the Emporium Capwell in Stonestown. She worked there until her retirement in 1974.

Jessie enjoyed sewing and knitting, crafting beautiful clothes and blankets for her family. She doted on her family, especially her grandchildren and spoiled them with her time and attention. Jessie loved to read current events in the newspaper and watch CSPAN and Wall Street Week in Review. She was an independent thinker and a spirited fan of politics. She always had a kind word for everyone and offered invaluable help, advice, and guidance to her family; her wisdom was a precious blessing and gift to us.

Jessie lived in San Francisco from 1915-1946 and on the Peninsula from 1946-1997. In early 1998 she moved to St. Louis with her daughter June and family. She endured the snowy winters there for five years until returning with June and family to Novato, California in 2003.

From 2003 until her passing she lived in Novato, California; the last 2 years being at Young At Heart, a residential care facility. We are immensely grateful to the staff and owners for loving Jessie like their own, and caring for her every need with compassion and dignity.

Jessie is survived by her son Richard A. Brown and daughter-in-law Bev, her daughter June Aguiar, and son-in-law Vince, her grandchildren: Chris Brown, Karina Brown Malone, Tracy Aguiar Dunn and Scott Aguiar, her great-grandchildren: Sofia Jaure, Ella Aguiar, and Kellan Malone, her nephew William Neilson and wife Jane, her niece Nancy Tercero, and her niece Marie Lacayo and husband Jorge.

Jessie is predeceased by her husband, Arthur L. Brown (April 8, 1965) and younger brother William M. Neilson (November 7, 2002).

Mom, above all else, you will be remembered as a thoughtful and loving spirit. You brought us memories that will sustain us until we meet again. Forever you will stay in our hearts.