Obituary Sister Carol Marie Brown, O.P. of Our Immaculate Mother Sister Carol Marie Brown died at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Fremont, California, on January 29, 2025. She was 89 years old and in the 48th year of her religious profession.

Carol Ann Brown was born in Northampton, Massachusetts to John Brown and Helen Elizabeth LeDuc. She had two brothers, Donald and Douglas, and four sisters, Margery Louise Brown Ducharme Merch and, Joan Elizabeth Brown Ferrer, Laurie Ellen Brown, and Candace Lynn Brown.

During her youth, Carol lived in Northampton, Massachusetts, and Imperial Beach, California. As a young woman, she acquired valuable work experience as a telephone operator and telephone business representative. For three years Carol was a member of the United States Air Force; during that time, she converted to the Catholic faith.

At the time of her conversion, Carol experienced a desire to become a religious. For twenty years the desire came and went. Finally, she wrote to 38 religious communities, especially those involved in ministries besides teaching. She met the Dominican Sisters when she made a retreat with Sister Benilda Desmond.

In 1974, Carol entered the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose and made her first profession of vows in 1976. She earned an AA degree in Religious Studies at Queen of the Holy Rosary College, Mission San Jose, and a BS degree in Business Education from Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Sister Carol’s ministry included service as school secretary at Sacred Heart High School, Los Angeles. She taught at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, La Canada Flintridge, and Immaculate Conception Academy, San Francisco. Sister Carol’s business experience supported her ministry in the Finance Department at the Motherhouse where she coordinated the Sisters’ medical insurance and Social Security. She also assisted in the Congregation’s development office.

Due to medical needs, Sister Carol Marie was assigned to St. Martin’s Residence at the Motherhouse in 2008. Faithful to prayer, Sister Carol was a quiet person with a ready smile. She is remembered for the wonderful way that she interacted with the high school students whom she taught.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Carol Marie will be celebrated on Thursday, February 6, at 10:30 am at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse Chapel.