CATHERINE MARIE (Bently) BROWNING

Catherine Browning, who passed just before Christmas, was born over nine decades ago to missionary parents  Rev. Livingston and Florence Bently.  Growing up in Iran instilled in Catherine an understanding of history, culture and the human condition.  Hers was a sweet, gentle and faithful life, but she saw the need of people around her and dedicated her life to serving others.  She attended Northfield in MA and graduated from the U of R School of Nursing.  Then came the most enjoyable event of her life: marrying Dr. George Browning, whom she had known since childhood in Iran, where his parents werealso missionaries.  Catherine worked as a Visiting Nurse in Cleveland, often caring for newborns George had delivered at their homes a few hours before.  Due to George's service in the Navy and Public Health Service, they moved frequently and lived in ten states plus Guam and, once again Iran.  They moved to Rochester in the 1970s when George joined Kodak.

Catherine made friends wherever she went, cheerfully and tirelessly volunteering in each community as she raised five children.  She helped with her children's Scout troops, delivered food through Meals-on-Wheels and to laborer's families, and sat on community assistance boards.  She was a dedicated member of Penfield Presbyterian Churc and AAUW, tutored at Rochester schools, made stuffed animals for hospitalized children through TWIG, knit mounds of booties and caps for preemies at the hospital and hats for womens's shelter

Catherine enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, reading, music, puzzle-making, cross-country skiing, hiking and camping.  Her curiosity led her through a lifetime of learning and sharing her knowledge with others.  Through hard times and happy years, she maintained a strong, generous and joyful spirit in gratitude for the blessings of a healthy life.  Always she thanked God for His love, for her children and for George, the great love of her life.

Catherine was predeceased in death by her parnts, brother Robert, sister Mafjory Helen, and son David.  Catherine is survived by her husband George and her children Robert, Carol (Benedict Diniega, Matt, Bekky, Rachael), Wendy Gates (Jennifer, Travis, Ryan), and Debra (Plillip Lichtenfels, Philip).

Catherine donated her body to the U of R Medical School.  There will be no formal services.  Arrangements were made by David A. Doser.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to AAUW or UNICEF.  Or call a friend, make a connection with someonein need, or give a smile to a passing stranger.

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