Donna M. Cusick Brown

Donna M. (Cusick) Brown, 68, of Cranston, passed away August 24, 2023. She was the wife of the late Robert A. Brown who passed away in 1978. Born August 25, 1954, in Boston, she was a daughter of the late Robert J. Cusick Sr. and Frances M. (Fitzgerald) Cusick.

She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Robert Domin, and her beloved dog, Holly.

Donna leaves her brother and sister-in-law, Robert J. Cusick Jr. and his wife Linda, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. 

Donna met Bobby Brown early in life and fell in love.  He was her best friend and the love of her life.  Donna married Bobby on September 20, 1975, despite knowing that he had very serious medical issues.   They were able to buy a house together and live a happy life for two and a half years.  Bobby passed away in May of 1978. And while they only had a short time together, her love for him lived on until she died.

Donna spent the longest period of her working years with Plan International, an organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and supporting equality for girls in many developing nations.  It was at Plan where she met so many of her life long friends.  In addition to working for the good of humanity, Donna was able to travel to these developing countries and experience first hand the results of the work she and the organization were doing.  She met many of the children who benefitted from her work and always brought back lots of photos.

Donna made personal sacrifices to spend many years caring for her mother as they both grew older, a decision she has repeatedly said she would make again.  

Throughout her adult years, Donna lavished her attention on her dogs.  Over the years, she had quite a few Shitzus.  She loved each and everyone of them.  Her most recent dog, Holly, was very loving and loyal and kept Donna company for many years until she passed in 2021.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am on Tuesday, Sept. 5, in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery.

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