Sarah W. Brownell

Sarah “Sally” Metcalf Whitin Brownell passed away suddenly and peacefully on Monday, January 29,2018 at Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia, surrounded by her family. Sally was born in Worchester, MA on September 26, 1932 to Ruth Delano and Paul Whitin. She is the older sister of Betsey Whitin Tyler of Pasedena, CA and Paul “Pete” Whitin of Monkton, MD. She grew up in Northbridge, MA, graduated from the Mary Wheeler School in Providence, RI, attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and Katie Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston MA. Sally is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Lawrence Dickey Brownell, whom she married in the eye of Hurricane Edna in New Bedford, MA in September of 1954.  She volunteered and worked at many community organizations including the Green Street Friends School in Philadelphia, volunteering at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. Sally and Larry owned and operated the Salt Marsh Farm Bed and Breakfast in South Dartmouth. She will be remembered by all who met her for her commitment to justice and community service, her keen intellect and generous heart, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. In addition to Larry, Betsey, and Pete, she is survived by her four children and their spouses, and nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to an organization of one’s own personal interest in Sally’s name would be appreciated.