Mary (Brubaker) Brownfield

Mary (Brubaker) Brownfield, a lifelong educator and beloved matriarch, passed away on August 28, 2023, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN. Known for her keen intelligence, unwavering generosity, and friendly demeanor, she left an indelible mark on her cherished community.

Born on July 25, 1939, in Robinson, IL, Mary spent her formative years in the New Hebron area, where she attended school and actively participated in church activities. After graduating from Robinson High School in 1957, Mary was driven by her passion for learning and pursued a Master's in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. She devoted over 30 years to nurturing young minds at Porterville, Washington, and Lincoln Elementary Schools before retiring in 1994. Her love for education shined in her everyday interactions, often correcting others' language with tact and wit, even recently correcting the EMT loading her into the helicopter that took her to Evansville! Needless to say, her profound influence extended far beyond the classroom walls and still echoes through the generations of students she taught.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary led a full and adventurous life. She relished the joys of travel, journeying as far as Europe, a pilgrimage she and her husband Harold made three times. Their daughters fondly recall childhood trips to Disney World and numerous family vacations to St. Pete Beach, which quickly became a kind of second home for the family. They could speak at length of Mary's enduring love of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and the Buffalo Bills football. Her devotion also extended to the First Christian Churches in Palestine and Robinson, where she attended regularly. At home, she most often could be found with a book in hand or watching CNN. A keen observer of politics, Mary's tempo and temperament often mirrored the day's news. Those who knew her best will remember Mary's straightforward opinions, which she held (and shared) steadfastly.

Mary Brownfield's 84 years were characterized by resilience, warmth, and an unwavering dedication to enlightenment and betterment. May her spirit continue to inspire and guide us, and may her memory be used as a yardstick of sorts, helping us measure the value and well-being of our own lives for years to come. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Mary.

She is survived by the love of her life, her adoring husband of 67 years, Harold Brownfield, and their beloved daughters & sons-in-law, Barbara & Jon Walls and Sherry & Rob Martin. Her memory will also profoundly live on in her grandchildren, Christopher & wife April Walls, Skyler Martin, and Taylor Martin, as well as her great-grandchildren, Sophia Walls and Nicholas Walls. Mary's influence and warmth extend to her sister, Frances Leggitt, her brother, David Brubaker, and several nieces and nephews. She now reunites in eternity with her parents, David & Melinda (Richardson) Brubaker, and her sister, Donna Yeaster.

It was her wish for services to be private, and arrangements have been entrusted to the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to two charitable organizations near and dear to her heart, " Paralyzed Veterans of America " or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ("ASPCA") . Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home.