Evelyn Olson Brown, known lovingly as Evelyn, passed away on May 28, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 80.
Born on April 6, 1946, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Evelyn was the daughter of the late Charles and Gladys (Greenleaf) Olson. She grew up surrounded by family and the strong values that would guide her throughout her life. Evelyn carried those values with grace, kindness, and quiet strength, and she became a woman admired by many for her loving spirit, her intelligence, and her selfless nature.
Evelyn devoted much of her professional life to serving others as a Human Resource Administrator. In that role, she was known for her professionalism, her thoughtful approach, and her ability to treat people with fairness and respect. Her work reflected the same care and consideration she brought to every part of her life. She was someone who listened well, offered support generously, and made others feel valued.
Family was at the center of Evelyn’s life. She was the beloved wife of Stanley Brown, who shared in her life and companionship. She also leaves her loving sons, Gregg and his wife Christi Serpa, and Andre Serpa and his wife Alison Morando. She also embraced her stepchildren with love, including Stacy and her husband Jason Reynolds, and Robert and his wife Kim Brown. Evelyn cherished her grandchildren, Kayla, Palmer, Thomas, Andrew and Owen, and she took great pride in each of them. Her love for her family was steadfast and unconditional, and she found her greatest joy in their happiness and accomplishments.
She is survived by her siblings, George and his wife Nancy Olson, Kathleen Clanci, and James and his wife Barbara Olson. Evelyn was predeceased by her sisters, Rose Chioccariello and Gladys Hansberry. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember her warmth, her kindness, and the special place she held in their lives. Her family will forever treasure the memories they shared with her and the example she set through the way she lived.
Evelyn loved to read and found comfort and enjoyment in a good book. She especially treasured time spent with family and friends, and she was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. She was proud of her sons’ accomplishments and successes, and she celebrated the achievements of those close to her with genuine joy. Evelyn always put the needs of others before her own, and that selfless spirit was one of the defining qualities of her life.
She also maintained deep and lasting friendships, including many dear friends from Somerville and from her high school years. She loved spending time with them and their families, and those relationships brought her great happiness throughout her life. Evelyn’s friendships were a reflection of who she was, because people were naturally drawn to her kindness, her sincerity, and her steady presence.
Those who knew Evelyn will remember her as a loving, intelligent, and selfless woman whose life was marked by devotion to others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and friendship that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be cherished always, and her life will be honored by the many lives she touched.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 3 to 5 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assistance Fund, 8427 Southpark Circle, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32819 or Moffitt Cancer Center, PO Box 162304, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716-2304.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
