Patricia A. Brown

Patricia A. Brown, 82, of West Haven entered into rest on January 18, 2026.  Born on August 27, 1943, in New Haven, a daughter of the late Louis and Mae Yingst Dougherty.  Patty is survived by her loving children Robin (John) MacLellan of Uncasville, William (Lisa Hallett) Brown of Seymour, and Timothy (Marlene) Brown of Clinton; grandchildren Louis Jr., Joseph, and Kayla Marzano, Sarah and Lydia Brown; and niece Donna Matos of Melbourne, Florida; as well as many other nieces and nephews, related by blood (or not).  In addition to her parents, Patty was preceded in death by brother James Swindell; sister Mary Bromley; and nephew Robert Bromley.

Patty was raised on Edgar Street in New Haven until age eight, when her family moved to Washington Avenue in West Haven. Despite the distance, Patty held a lifetime kinship with their former neighbors, the Massellas. They weren't just friends; they were chosen family!

She could always be found in the school yard playing baseball, basketball or “Hopalong Cassidy.”  Summers were spent in Pennsylvania with cousins, riding horses.  Patty often shared memories of midnight adventures in New York City with her mother, brother and sister; as well as bringing dinner to her father at Savin Rock.  She delighted in riding the carousel for free because her brother was a skilled “brass ring catcher.”

A sports lover from a young age, Patty was an accomplished bowler, with an 180 average when she retired from the game.  She enjoyed cheering for the UConn Husky Women. 

Patty graduated from WHHS in 1961 and followed in her mother’s footsteps, working for Southern New England Telephone.  After 5 years of service, she was forced to leave due to the birth of her first child.  In 1964, Patty married Larry Brown, and they raised three children.

In 1979, Patty began working at Savin Rock Community School, and she maintained a firm motto of "no child goes hungry."  Whether it was a PB&J that she brought from home or she paid for their lunch, Patty always carried extra cash to help anyone in need.  She LOVED THE CHILDREN (as well as Pop Tarts) and was especially fond of a few teens with special needs.  To brighten other people’s spirits, Patty would break out into a dance, a rap song, or her trademark, comical silliness. She continued in food service with the West Haven Board of Education until 1990, when Patty transitioned into a custodian job for Carrigan Middle and Pagels Elementary Schools.  Patty transferred to West Haven High School while her three children attended there, retiring in 2019 after 40 years of dedicated service.

Patty was an enthusiastic gambler who looked forward to simply visiting Grillo’s for her scratch-off tickets. She would enthusiastically say, "I'm gonna hit big!"  Patty loved visiting Atlantic City with her sister and daughter. When the Connecticut casinos opened, she would make frequent trips with her loved ones, often remarking, "Mom put it all on 17." 

Patty, our beloved mom, was the TIMEX WATCH... She took her licking and kept ticking. No matter what came our way she was our ROCK.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from four until seven o’clock at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.  A prayer service will be held at 6:30pm in the funeral parlor.  Interment will remain private.  To share an online message with Patty’s family, please visit our website www.westhavenfuneral.com.

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