Monson and Augusta - Minetta May (Smith) Brown passed away peacefully on June 9, 2021 at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, ME after a long illness. She was 79 years old. "Netta" was born at home, in West Athens, ME on June 20, 1941. Recounting her childhood in a removed rural setting among her several brothers, a sister, extended family members and friends, she described a life of events both comic and challenging. She was a bright and eager learner in school and was always proud that she had been advanced a grade level on the recommendation of her teacher at an early age. After her family moved to Guilford, ME circumstances interrupted her formal education and her feet were set on the path of home-making that she fulfilled with dedication and energy for the rest of her life. Her marriage to Carl M. Brown, a local sports standout from Monson, ME, was followed by a move to Hallowell, ME, and the beginning of a long and happy life there as a wife and mother. Characteristic of the times when neighborhoods teemed with large families of children that rambled ceaselessly on foot and bicycles through yards without boundaries, her home was always open to all. An accomplished cook, the smell of her homemade doughnuts, cookies and other treats would waft temptingly through open kitchen windows much to the notice and appreciation of her sons and their friends. As her sons grew older and they began their participation in sports, school events and music she was ever-present at their entertainments and always ready with a late meal after a long day. As the circle of her acquaintances widened though her sons' and husband's activities, she enthusiastically lent her time and talents to the fetes and celebrations of their successes. She was a treasurer of the Hallowell-Farmingdale Little League and a member, with Carl, of the Hall-Dale High School Sports Boosters Club. Her enthusiasm and sense of humor were appreciated by all who knew her. When there was time for herself she enjoyed candle-pin bowling, card playing, tent camping and later in her life, genealogical research, the arts and crafts, home redecoration, wildflower gardening and doll collecting. She operated her own business in Monson, Lady Bug Arts & Crafts, for several years selling slate shingle paintings, hand-sewn dolls, purses and other collectibles following a tradition best described as American Folk. Following her husband's death in 1993, she moved from their "retirement" home in Monson to Sangerville, ME where she and local businessman Les Andrews built a home that they resided happily together in until his death in 2012. Their shared friends were steady, faithful, and loving throughout good times and bad. Easy with a smile and quick with laughter, she reveled in the company of good friends, a practical joke, or a television sit-com. She was an early and ardent fan of Elvis Presley, country music, strawberry shortcake, and fried Maine shrimp. She was however always and forever happiest in the company of her grandchildren: Cameron S.C. Brown of Somerville, MA, Cody C. Brown of Brooklyn, NY, Erica J. Brown Vincunas of Augusta, ME, Casey T. Brown of Scarborough, ME and Abigail C. Brown of Monmouth, ME and her infant great-granddaughters, Isla B. Brown and Quinn L. Vincunas. Minetta was pre-deceased by her father, Stewart Millard Smith, her mother, Lucille Huff Smith, her twin brothers, Leo and Leonard Smith, her older brother, Stewart Smith, Jr., her older sister, Wanda Smith Foster, her husband, Carl, and by her "best friend" Les Andrews. She is survived by her brother, Worden "Jake" Smith of Dover-Foxcroft, ME; her sons, Eric C. Brown and his wife Pamela St. Peter Brown of Farmingdale, ME, Cameron M. Brown of Vassalboro, ME and his partner Sylvia Michaud; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. There will be a private family committal service at the Lakeroad Cemetery, in Monson, Maine at a future date. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com. "Maybe death's hour too will send us out newborn towards undreamed lands, maybe life's call to us will never find an end courage my heart, take leave and fare thee well." - Hermann Hesse