Frances Victoria Brown, age 80, of Lewes Delaware, was born on March 23, 1944, and entered eternal rest on November 8, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Frances was born in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Helen and Francis X. Kirlin, who will be waiting to greet her as she enters her new Heavenly home, along with her sisters Alice and Theresa, and sons-in-law Gary Hagerty and Curtis Mendenhall, as well as many relatives and friends.

She graduated from St. Peter's High School in New Castle, Delaware, and then married the love of her life, John M. (Jack) Brown on May 6, 1961.

In addition to being a loving wife, Mother, and Grandmother, her numerous occupations and business ventures included owning Clay Den Ceramics, Browns Cleaning Service, Florida Vacation Rentals, and Governor's Antiques in Milton, De. She was also a wedding photographer, a realtor, and an animal rescue volunteer.

She was self-taught in most everything she did, enjoyed sewing and woodworking, and doing anything and everything herself. She was a doll and antique collector and would collect everything as long as she could negotiate the price. She would argue anything with anyone and had a special passion for politics!

Her favorite responses when asked how she was doing, were: "Still alive and sinnin'", and "I'll live 'til I die" - and that she did!

Her passion was spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She loved all animals and had several pets throughout her life, including dogs, cats, and birds.

One of her favorite pastimes was listening to Irish music as well as tracing her ancestry all the way to Ireland followed by a trip where she met her ancestors. She and Jack enjoyed traveling throughout their married life and spent several years as snowbirds in Florida.

Her mantra in life was "It's a lifetime of chance or a chance of a lifetime" and that is the way she lived her life.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, John M.; her children, Alice Mendenhall of West Grove, PA, John (Donna) Brown of Milton, DE., Diane Hagerty of Wilmington, DE, Theresa (Jeff) Keating of Hockessin, DE; her grandchildren, Jessica Sollenberger (Chad), Kristen Mendenhall, Amanda Thompson (Steven), Joshua Brown (Abigail), Jack Hagerty (Gabby), Kevin Hagerty (Brittany), Tessa and Kyla Keating; her great-grandchildren, Maggie and Eric Sollenberger; Braden Mendenhall; Delaney and Madison Thompson; Jaxon and Bren Chorman, and Ryland Brown; Aubriella, Leon, and Kendal Hagerty; Jacy Lynn Hagerty.

The family would like to thank her caregivers for their kindness and compassion over the last several years.

Her celebration of life service will be held on November 20th at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington at 11 AM, where friends may visit after 10 AM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.