East Liverpool, Ohio- Maria Eleanor Brown Lowe, 68, of Northside Avenue gained her wings on August 30th, 2022 following a courageous battle with a brief illness surrounded by her loving family at home.
Born August 27th, 1954 she was a daughter of the late Ernest and Gertrude Logan Brown. A lifetime area resident, she was a graduate of East Liverpool High School Class of 1972.
Maria loved animals. Some of her favorites were Hershey, Benson, Licorice, Bo, Ms. Kitty, Smoke, Smidget, Bridget, and her current good friend Dallas. Maria always had a heart for her furry friends. Her heart also extended to helping others. Anyone that knew her, knew that she found great enjoyment in the fact that she often had extra “items” around that could be given out when someone needed something at their home. She loved to shop and purchase while saving some items for when they may be needed. She always enjoyed being able to do something to make someone else feel better.
Maria was also well known for her cooking. There were too many specialties to name, but some favorites included the best homemade noodles, lasagna, western beans, Christmas cookies, pasta salad, deviled eggs, chicken pepper pasta and meatloaf. She was also known for serving many pitchers of ice cold Kool-Aid that hit the spot during backyard wiffle ball games. Many people were blessed by the good food that Maria always worked hard to bring to any family function. She loved those gatherings with food and fellowship among those present. There were many years she found great enjoyment providing “drive by meals” for both her son and daughter-in-law, while putting special treats in their lunches.
Over the years, Maria worked several jobs including Extended Care, L&B Donut Shop, AVON, Kwik King and at Cedar Hills Golf Club. She loved to tell stories about her golfers that she would fry up their breakfast in the morning. Her most rewarding job was at East Liverpool Schools, where she worked at differing times in both the cafeteria and as a paraprofessional. It was no surprise she found joy in service to others through these jobs. She helped many students not only at school but by extending the schoolhouse walls and making them part of her life through giving back to them in their lives outside of school.
Maria attended both the LaCroft Church of the Nazarene and the United Brethren in Christ Church at different points in her life. Her aunt and uncle, Reverend Clarence and Maxine Pelley played a huge role in her life. She found great joy in her summer days at their home in Glenmoor and also enjoying their large family at picnics and other gatherings. She considered them to be her second parents and enjoyed the opportunities she had to share in their love through the years.
She will be deeply missed by her son, Eric and his wife, Sarah of East Liverpool. Maria was eager to share stories of Eric’s childhood, along with taking great pride in both of their investment into Beaver Local Schools and the time they give back to the community. She enjoyed attending volleyball matches and traveling over the years to watch Eric’s involvement with baseball as both a player and a coach. Maria looked forward to the daily conversations she shared with Eric over the years and the strong bond that they shared.
Maria is also survived by her companion, Andrew Taormina, who has been a blessing in her life and was a wonderful caregiver on her recent health journey. She also leaves behind two sisters, Margie Brown Goddard and Pauline Stubbs and her husband, Cal and one brother, Keith Brown. She will be sadly missed by many friends.
Donations can be made in memory of Maria to Beaver Locals Schools where a fund will be established to fund a program called Maria’s Mission Making Moments Count While Helping Others. This can be found at: http://Paypal.me/beaverlocal or to the Columbiana County Humane Society.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Valley Hospice and the Cleveland Clinic. The family would also like to thank Sara Pease for her heartfelt care of Maria during this journey.
According to Maria’s wishes there will be no public visitation or service. A private family service will be held at a later date. The Dawson Funeral Home is in charge of all local arrangements.