Elaine B. (Herk) Brown

WARWICK- Elaine B. (Herk) Brown, 94, of South Holden Road, died early Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.

Born in Gardner on October 19, 1930, she was the daughter of Henry and Beatrice (Venette) Herk and grew up in Warwick and graduated from Orange High School in 1948.

In 1950, Elaine married Charles L. Brown Jr. and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage until his death on November 15, 2017.

Elaine was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for many years working for the Welfare Department until her retirement. Her first job was working at the Warwick Inn, followed by work at the Torrington Co. in Orange, and later the Minute Tapioca Co.

Elaine loved the ocean and traveling to Amish country twice a year. She and family members took numerous trips together including England, Holland, Germany, Finland and Hawaii.

During Christmas, Elaine was known for her spectacular homemade cookie trays she delivered to family and friends.

Elaine is to be remembered for her generosity, especially to her nieces and nephews, and that love was returned by them to her. Elaine and Charlie were known for buying numerous gifts at Christmas, as well as buying school outfits and supplies which provided them with much joy.

Elaine was a member of the Warwick Women’s Guild, and a trustee of the Unitarian Church in Warwick.

A Red Sox fan, her all time favorite player was Ted Williams.

Elaine is survived by a sister, Nan Hunt of Orange; a brother, Arthur “Tim” Herk and his wife Sandy, of Athol; sisters in law, Marianne Herk and Susan Herk, both of Orange; and 26 nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

The family is grateful to Elaine’s caregivers, especially Linda who coordinated the care, as well as Sandy, Laurie, Annette, Sherry, Aneth, Tracy, and Becky.

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held in Warwick Center Cemetery, 75 Orange Road (Route 78), Warwick, on July 12, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Athol Salvation Army, 107 Ridge Avenue, Athol, MA 01331 or to the Warwick Historical Society, 6 Athol Road, Warwick, MA 01378.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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