Marthine Brown 6/28/1937 - 4/22/2026

Marthine Amber Brown passed away on April 22, 2026, in Auburn, California. She was born in Reno, Nevada on June 28, 1937, to Henry and Mable Beed, and was the youngest of four children. Marthine attended Chico State University, where she pursued a career in education. It was there that she met her future husband, Boris Brown. They were married in 1959. Their daughter, Lorene, was born in 1960, followed by their son Matthew in 1964. Marthine loved children and taught at Colfax Elementary School, American Cooperative School in La Paz, Bolivia, and Alta-Dutch Flat Elementary School. She primarily taught first grade, and sometimes affectionately referred to her students as her "can of little wiggle worms." She always enjoyed seeing her former students around the community. She maintained many cherished friendships with fellow educators. She loved cats, gardening, reading, bird watching, and quilting. Her garden was a place of bright flowers and visiting birds. She participated in several birdwatching groups and enjoyed many birdwatching trips. She also belonged to several book groups and quilting groups over the years, making many lasting friendships. Family and friends treasure her beautiful quilts. Marthine was a member of Pioneer Union Church in Gold Run, CA and often spoke lovingly of Pastor Rob and his wife Shicara, and all the church family. Marthine is survived by her daughter, Lorene Wetzel (Mark); her son Matthew Brown (Laurie); her grandchildren Corina Thorne, Rick Wetzel, and Connor Brown (Hailey); and her great-grandchildren Addison and Lincoln Thorne and Callan Brown, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. Marthine was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mable Beed; her siblings, Bilton Beed, Mignon Ensly, and Douglas Beed; and her beloved husband of sixty-six years, Boris Brown, Jr. A celebration of life will be held at Lassila Funeral Chapel in Auburn, CA on Friday June 12, 2026, at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Marthine Brown to the Pioneer Union Church (PO Box 221, Gold Run, CA 95717) or Partners in Care Hospice (www.pichospice.com).