Shirley C. Brown

Shirley C. Brown, age 89, of Medina Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 18, 2026.

Shirley was born on October 5, 1937 in East Cleveland, Ohio, to Horace and Harriett Chorpening. She graduated from Shaker High School in 1955 and attended Fenn College. Shirley began her career at IBM in Cleveland, where she met her future husband, Howard Brown. They wed in 1962 and began married life in Brookpark, Ohio. Shirley became the loving mother of two sons, George in 1965 and Greg in 1967. In 1970, after moving to Brunswick, Ohio, Shirley worked part-time while raising her family and running the household. In 1977, Shirley made a big career change by going to school for licensed practical nursing through Parma Hospital’s program. One of her proudest moments was receiving her nursing cap and pin at her class graduation. For the balance of her career, Shirley worked as a nurse in the Cleveland area, including hospitals and physician practices. She retired from nursing in 2002. In 2016 she and Howard moved to Medina, where they resided at Western Reserve Masonic Community.

Shirley had many friends and activities that she enjoyed, including playing pinochle, singing in vocal groups, growing gardens and houseplants, and later traveling extensively with Howard. Shirley loved roses and grew them in her yards. She was an animal lover and always had at least one or two cats that she adored. Shirley was a determined and faithful person with the people and things she loved; she was creative, extremely resourceful and pragmatic.

Shirley had a quiet, steadfast faith. She was a proud Episcopalian and long-time member of St. Thomas in Berea and later St. Paul’s in Medina. She was involved in various church activities, including the choirs. She brought up her sons in the church and let her actions do her witnessing.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 64 years, Howard Brown; her son George Brown (wife Laurel); and her grandsons Geoff Brown and Chris Brown, niece Lisa Peterson Smith, and nephews John Peterson and Joseph Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Greg (2014).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina, Ohio 44256. A funeral eucharist will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty Street, Medina, Ohio 44256, with inurnment immediately afterwards.

Shirley lived her life to the fullest, on her terms, frequently celebrating, sometimes making lemonade out of lemons. Loving much, she was loved much and will be dearly missed. Memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, and Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.