Avis Olive (Cochrane) Brown

Avis Cochrane Brown passed away peacefully on Friday the 19th of May at the age of 92. Throughout her life, Avis was an avid reader and student. This passion helped her win a scholarship to Boston University where she met her husband, Carleton. The two were married in June of 1945 and wasted no time beginning their careers—he in social work and she in teaching English. After the birth of their two children, David and Nancy, Avis pursued a Master’s degree in education from John’s Hopkins University where she researched teaching for the developmentally disabled. When Avis returned to teaching she used her degree to focus on special education. She also developed a phonetics based reading program for students learning later in life. When Avis and Carleton noticed a gap in the services available to special needs adults who had aged out of the public school system, they helped establish the Bayside Community Network. Their vision was to empower special needs adults to live independent and fulfilling lives. Avis and Carleton continued to serve on the Bayside Board of Directors through their retirement. Outside of her career, Avis was a world traveler and a staunch feminist. She was an active member of the Cecil County Democratic Committee and participated in the Women’s March on Washington of 1989 in support of women’s right to choose. Avis’ family wishes her to be remembered for her quiet strength, humility, and pure selflessness. She is survived by her daughter Nancy, son-in-law Thomas, and granddaughter Mary. A memorial service will be held on June 9th at 5 o’clock in the evening at the Bayside Community Network, 1290 W. Pulaski Hwy, Elkton, MD 21921. Instead of flowers, Avis’ family urges you to make donations to the Bayside Community Network.