Roma Jean (Speer) Brown, 85, a long time active member of the Town of Needham, MA, died at the Lincoln Hospice House on August 6, 2018.
She was born in Oak Park, IL on March 20, 1933 to Lloyd and Helena (Schleiger) Speer. She was married to the late Dr. Dick A. J. Brown for nearly 60 years.
Roma graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. She moved to Needham in 1962 and was involved in many community activities. She was a passionate member of the League of Women Voters and was a town meeting member for many years. She served as a Library Trustee and was named a Trustee Emeritus of the Needham Free Library in recognition of her many years of volunteering. Roma always looked out for senior citizens by coordinating Traveling Meals, helping to start the Hospice program in Needham and was a Board member of the Friends of the Board of Health, Council on Aging and Springwell. She worked tirelessly with the Friends of the Center at the Heights towards the realization of the new Needham Center at The Heights.
Roma was a committed church member. She enjoyed serving on the Altar Guild, teaching Sunday School, coordinating Vacation Bible School and serving on church council. She also served the church at large by sitting on synod committees, volunteering for LSS, and as a local and national church-wide delegate.
Roma taught her children and grandchildren the joy of volunteering leading by example bringing her family with her. Roma shared the fruits of her hobbies included quilting, knitting, flower arranging and bird watching with all.
She is survived by, daughters Rev. Dr. Denise Brown and Julia (Jeffrey) Pearson and son Jeffrey. She has 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Lloyd, son Forrest and grandson Steven.
Donations in loving memory of Roma Jean Brown can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 113 Union Street, Natick MA or to The Needham Free Public Library or the Needham Heights Senior Center or the Care Dimension (Hospice).
A visiting hour for Roma Jean will be held on Sunday Sept 2, 2018 from 2 until 3 PM at Christ Lutheran Church, 113 Union Street, Natick, MA where her funeral service will begin at 3 PM. A reception will follow the service.
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