Our Matriarch of Fun and Adventure Left Us on August 31st, 2024.

Mary Beth was born in Duluth, November 16th, 1932.  She was preceded in death by her parents Victor Carl and Jubie Anne Carlson Dunder, her husband Dr. Cyrus C. Brown, Jr. and her brother Victor Carl Dunder, Jr.

Mary Beth attended Lakeside Elementary School, East Junior High, Central High and UMD with a B.A. degree in Communications.  She retired from UMD where she was the Associate Alumni Director and Special Events Coordinator in the University Relations Department.  Mary Beth was a devoted Wife, Mother and Grandmother.  While raising 8 children, she was a committed leader in many volunteer services.  She adored her family and enjoyed being a part of their activities.  The cabin at Lake Elora, camping, canoe trips, sailing, skiing, traveling and her home in Arizona were special times for Mary Beth and her family.

Mary Beth was a member of the Coppertop Methodist Church.  She was previously an active member of Pilgrim Congregational Church serving on the Diaconate and Church Council.  She was also a member of Chester Park Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, and was a Junior High Youth Counselor.  She was a member of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce and has served on the board of directors of the Duluth Junior League, Duluth Playhouse, Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis County Medical Society Auxiliary and Northern Pine Girl Scout Council.  She was also the past president of the Medical Auxiliary and Girl Scout Council.  During her years in scouting, she was a troop leader for Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Webelos.  She was a moderator for several years for the program "People in Action" on WDSE Television.  She was a member of the Duluth Planning Commission a board member of the Northwood Children's Services, president of the Northwood Children's Services Foundation and she was also a board member of the American Association of University Women and the Performing Arts League in Arizona.  She enjoyed teaching art in Chandler, Arizona elementary schools.  She was also involved in her own Special Events business, "Celebrations."

Mary Beth enjoyed the performing arts and was happy to be on stage for the Junior League Follies, Duluth Playhouse Productions, singing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus and Opera Chorus, and performing with groups throughout the community.

Mary Beth is survived by her beloved family including five daughters:  Laurie Beth Burg (Jim Hagstrom) Duluth; Linda Smith (Michael) Sun Lakes, Arizona; Marsha Brown (Mike Crosby) Brentwood, California; Lisa Rhoads (Judson) Fort Collins, Colorado; Anne Quintanilla (Mario) Loveland, Colorado; three sons: David Offen-Brown (Gail) Albany, California; Alan Brown, St. Louis, Missouri; Bryan Brown (Sara) Duluth; her sister Willa Kohl (Bob) Sun Lakes, Arizona; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jacob), Samantha, Cameron (Madi), Catherine (Joseph), Benjamin (Sarah), Peter, Matthew, Sofia, Linda, Ella, Ken (Brandie), Reid (Andrea), Kelly (Jon), Heather (Erik), great grandchildren: Ava, Ashtyn, Zoe, Raisa, Julie, Natalie, Zachary, Judith, Nathan, Lucia, Cecilia and eight nieces and nephews and their families.

Mary Beth was grateful for her residency at Mount Royal Pines III and her family wishes to express their appreciation for her comfort and care.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Mary Beth and Cyrus Brown Endowment for Neurological Research at the UMD School of Medicine.

Cards and memories may be sent to:  Laurie Beth Burg, 1111 West Skyline Parkway, Duluth, MN  55806

Private family services will be held at Mary Beth's request.