Juanita H. Brown, also known to close friends as JB, passed away on Jan. 20 at the Jefferson Green Assisted Living Home in Jefferson. She succumbed to a long-term illness.
Juanita was born on May 3, 1927 to P. Carol and James Stoddard in Nyack, N.Y. She was one of six children.
Juanita graduated from Nyack High School and married her first husband, Chester R. Dunican, on Valentine’s Day of 1945. Together they had five children.
Juanita married Charles L. Brown of Niantic, Conn. and Damariscotta. They were longtime members of Smith Cove Yacht Club out of Smith Cove on the Niantic River (Bayreuther’s Boat Yard). Juanita raised an additional five stepchildren: Charles Brown Jr., Marty Brown, Robert Brown, William Brown, and Gary Brown. They made their residence on Giant’s Neck Beach, spending many hours on the beach and on their sailboat – the Reprieve and Reprieve II. Many weekends were spent cruising throughout the Long Island Sound. Larry was an avid sailboat racer, and Juanita quickly took on the role of “tactician” for her new captain! After the two retired, they moved to Damariscotta. A year after retiring, Larry was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. They made the best of their remaining time with day travels to Boothbay Harbor and Pemaquid Point.
Juanita’s work history was one that she was always proud of. After high school (during WWII) she worked for the local telephone company in Nyack, N.Y., then moving to Bennington, Vt. with husband Chet where she worked at the Cushman Furniture Factory. When Chet passed away, she moved to Niantic, Conn., finding work as a Production Control Manager for the Bristol Saybrook Company.
Upon retirement and moving to Damariscotta, Juanita started up her antique business Schooner Galleries. She quickly had an eye for antiques, both purchasing and selling. She would frequent the auctions at Foster’s, bringing home her treasures for resale in her antique business. Many times, Juanita would bring her items into her home… never again to leave! She had to close her business when her health was started to fail. Juanita loved to frequent Schooner Landing for food and drink, and watching the water activity, as she never lost sight of the beauty presented to her.
In 2011, Juanita was diagnosed with cancer of the lungs. Within a short time, she needed full time living assistance. Juanita moved to the Jefferson Green in Jefferson in May of 2012. She found great solitude and peace within this home.
Juanita was predeceased by daughter, Juanita Anne Dunican; husband, Chester Dunican (Sept. 28, 1967); and husband, Larry Brown (June 5, 1990).
She is survived by sisters, Patricia Melanson and Jeanne Heppes; children, Dianne Dunican Sunda, Carol Dunican Wagner, Chester Dunican, and Gregory Dunican; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.
Donations may be made in her name to the American Lung Association.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
