Shirley Ann Brown

Shirley Ann Brown, 90, formerly of Contoocook, NH passed away the evening of August 12th, 2025, in Norwood, MA.

Shirley was the youngest of three children (Joanne and Edward), born to Mertie (Trinque) Croteau and Edward Croteau of Marlborough, NH on July 27th, 1935. After graduating from the Marlborough Public Schools in 1953, Shirley attended Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, where she obtained a degree in education. Shirley did her practice teaching in Lebanon, NH and then went on to teach history and civics in Salem, NH, and coach field hockey and basketball.

In 1965, she met Douglas Harold Brown while attending an educational conference. They were married later that year in Marlborough, NH. After living briefly in Derry and Warner, they bought a home in Contoocook, NH. Shirley stepped down from teaching to raise two sons, Douglas Brown, Jr. and Stephen Brown. She returned to teaching in 1980, joining the staff at Henniker High School in Henniker, NH, and then moving to John Stark Regional High School in Weare, NH.

Shirley was an engaged sports fan, who followed the Red Sox and the Patriots with her husband and son Stephen. She enjoyed candlepin bowling and was a member of a bowling league for many years. She and her husband were avid golfers and spent many weekends and vacations golfing at courses around New England. Shirely retired in 1994, continuing to golf, bowl, and enjoy time with her family and friends. Shirley’s husband passed away in 2012. Shirley continued to live in Contoocook with her son Stephen until 2023, when she moved into an assisted living facility in Norwood Massachusetts. Shirley was loved by her family and friends and will be missed.

Shirley leaves behind her son Douglas Brown, Jr. and his husband Joseph DePonte, her other son Stephen Brown, and many family members and friends.

Calling hours will be held from 4PM to 6PM on Friday, September 5 at Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home, 32 School St, Hillsborough, NH. A funeral will be held at 10AM on Saturday, September 6 at Contoocook United Methodist Church, 24 Maple St, Hopkinton, NH; with burial to follow immediately after at Contoocook Village Cemetery, 743 Main St, Contoocook, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Meals on Wheels/Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties P.O. Box 1016, Concord, NH 03302 ( https://capbm.org/Donation-Form-Program ).

Services are under the care of Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.holtwoodburyfh.com .