Aljean Frances Lemke Brown (Allie) passed away peacefully in Pittsford on June 25, 2026.
Born in Albany, NY on March 6th, 1937, Aljean was the eldest child of Alice Elizabeth Ryan Lemke and William George Lemke, who predeceased her and her brother, Bill. A member of a close-knit, extended Albany family, Aljean graduated from Vincentian Institute in Albany and then attended Nazareth College, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Art in 1958. Aljean later earned her Master’s of Science in Education from Nazareth in 1982.
Aljean’s career as an art educator spanned over 35 years including teaching every level, from kindergarten through 12th grade. She taught in public school districts in Albany, Greece, Irondequoit, and Pittsford. Aljean founded the Art Department at Greece Arcadia High School when it opened in 1963.
Aljean and Daniel Spillane Brown of Rochester wed on July 30th,1960. They met while she was at Nazareth and he at Saint John Fisher. Together, they had 53 years of happiness before Dan’s passing in October, 2013. Dan’s siblings, Nancy French (Mike), Sister Mollie Brown, RSM, Marcia Hoeffel (Bruce), and Richard Brown (Kathereyn), and her granddaughter, Grace Elaine Carroll, also predeceased her.
Aljean is survived by her three children and their families, including nine grandchildren: Elizabeth Carroll (Dave) of Naperville, Illinois and their children John, Elaine and Peter; Maureen Matthias (Tom) of Basking Ridge, New Jersey and their children Katharine, Allison, and Asher; and Daniel Raymond William Brown (Emma) of Pittsford and their children Daniel, Owen, and Alexander. She is also survived by her brother, William G. Lemke II, Connie Landini, Sister Mary Ann Ayers, RSM, many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and very dear companion Vern Mize.
Aljean loved education and believed in its transformative value. She saw the world through an artist’s eye and appreciated all forms of fine art and design. Through her education and participation in the Pittsford Art League, she created a catalog of visual art in various mediums. Aljean took great pride in her students and tried to guide each one individually.
Aljean and Dan enjoyed many happy years in Pittsford, forming life-long friendships on Old Forge Lane and through Saint Louis Church. In retirement, they spent several years in Illinois and Florida.
Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Aljean’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Louis Church, Pittsford on August 3rd at 9:30 AM. Buffet Luncheon to follow at The Highlands of Pittsford Oneida Room at 11:15.
The family would like to express special appreciation to her caregiving team of Gale, Kelly, Carol, Pam, Marcia, and Kate who cared lovingly for Aljean for over six months. We are also grateful to the staff at The Highlands of Pittsford for their love and support for the past four and one-half years.
In lieu of flowers, Aljean’s family suggests donations in her memory to:
The Sisters of Mercy
Mercy Center
1437 Blossom Road Rochester, New York 14610
5 responses to “Brown , Aljean Lemke (Allie)”
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have fond memories of Mom, your Dad and your entire family. Pittsford and St. Louis are cherished and shared memories. Sending comfort and love to all.
The Cholish Family – Christine and Daniel Cholish
I am sending deep heartfelt condolences to all three of you Brown siblings and your partners and kids. Your mom and dad are core to my memories (with you Liz) of Pittsford, my youth and Deer Creek and Old Forge Roads. Your mom was an open minded, smart, professional woman who held strong to her love and first priority to her children teaching you all the values of responsibility, discipline and integrity and a huge priority on education. She was loving and welcoming to me and she may not have known how much I appreciated that. And she and your dad had such a partnership, friendship and love that I admired and remember to this day. Her physical presence may be gone but her impact is still felt and she will be with you all forever. May she rest in peace with your dad. Love, Sheela
Elizabeth, Maureen & Dan:
I am so sorry to learn that your mom has passed, my condolences to. you & your families.
I have nice memories of our time living on Old Forge Lane & along with your family, & others, happy times like our annual Fourth of July parade & picnic.
Judy Dell & Family
My sincere condolences on Aljean’s passing. I remember her smiling face and quick laugh, as well as her great artistic talent when we were at Nazareth College, now University. May she RIP and may the God of all Consolation be with her family at this time.
Love,
Jeanette Martino Land ’58
Dear, dear Brown, Carroll & Matthias Families, Tears fall down as I try to express how sadly that We feel for y/our loss of Aljean. Fifty years ago, our Families met as near neighbors in Pittsford. Aljean & I became good friends, & very frequent phone buddies checking on Maureen & Katie’s whereabouts,etc. Both teachers, we shared often our thoughts on Education. Aljean was wise, serious, hopeful, funny—a Friend from whom to much learn. And, One to like as well as to love. Such love we will always for All of You! Nancy, John, Katie,Bill & Families