Marilee Brown

Marilee Brown, 80, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 24, 2025. 

Marilee was born on October 13, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio, to Max Day and Helen (Perna) Shoemaker. She attended Rogers High School. Marilee held a variety of job titles throughout her life, working as a matron at the Lucas County Jail, a machine attendant at Champion Spark Plug, a bus driver with Springfield Local Schools, and a toll collector on the Ohio Turnpike.

At an early age, Marilee was drawn to the arts. She learned the accordion and tap dancing, and loved to draw and paint. From then on, her interests were limitless. She was a western-style horseback champion, a dirt track motorcycle racer, and an avid collector. She loved adventures, whether it was road trips, camping, or a day of shopping. Two of her favorite things were bingo and ice cream. But above all else, Marilee's life was centered around her family and friends. She was a kind, humorous, and generous soul who never hesitated to tell you how much she loved you.

Marilee first married Robert "Butch" Mayer, Jr. in 1964, and the two remained close friends throughout their lives. On New Year's Day in 1982, she married Norman Brown, who remained her loving husband until his passing in 2006.

Marilee is survived by her son, Robert "Bob" (Elizabeth) Mayer III; daughter, Jodi Mayer; stepdaughter, Rhonda McCrory; brother-in-law, Bernard "Bernie" Mayer; grandchildren, McKensey Huffman, Jensyn (Nathan) Beining, Hunter Huffman, Casey (Ondrej) Konvalinka, AshleyMarie Gonzales, Haley Fuller; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gary Abbe; her husband, Norman Brown; and her cherished dog, Coco.

Services will take place on Friday, January 2, 2026, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ray Neville Chapel at Sunrise Cremations and Funerals, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service for immediate family only at Springfield Township Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Ventura's Mexican Restaurant, 7742 W. Bancroft St., Toledo.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a monetary donation to Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio. The family wishes to thank Heather and the entire care team at Browning Masonic Community, along with Residential Home Health and Hospice, for all of the amazing care they provided Marilee.