Born in 1946, Connie was the first of four children of the late S. William (Bill) and Elaine Ryan of Wheaton, MD. Connie graduated from Wheaton H.S. in 1964 and was active in that class’ Reunion Committee for many years.

Having grown up in the Fire Rescue Community, Connie joined Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad’s (WVRS) First Aid Team during her Father’s time as Chief there. Connie later met and married WVRS member and later Chief George W. Brown Jr. in 1964.

Connie had served SSVFD from 1993 until her passing, both as an active member and more recently as a Life Member. She had served in the Chairperson’s role for many years on the Fire Prevention Committee and was an integral part of the Canteen.

Connie was a recipient of the department’s highest award; the Spencer J.H. Brown Award, she taught countless CPR classes throughout the Greater Olney-Ashton-Sandy Spring Area, she organized and ran the department’s Open House event for many years and was recognized by Rep. Connie Morella in 1991 for her actions and support of our community’s Service Members during both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Connie has also received numerous awards from the Montgomery County Government and the Greater Olney Civic Association on many occasions. Additionally, Connie and her husband started the September 11th Candle Light Remembrance which has been held annually at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Route 108 since that fateful date in 2001.

Connie was always there when the department or community needed her and her lifelong commitment to SSVFD and the community at-large will be sorely missed.

Connie’s source of pride and joy came from her family. Connie is survived by her husband, SSVFD Chief (Emeritus) George W. Brown, Jr. Her sons Thomas (Linda) and Mark (Valerie) Brown, her Grandchildren Connor, Hannah, and Alyssa Brown, her Sister Carol Ryan (Jim) and Brother Craig (Trish) Ryan. Connie’s love and compassion could also be felt through her numerous nieces and nephews. Connie is preceded in death by both her Father and Mother along with her Sister Bobbi (Joe) Small.

Connie’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 2:00pm at the “Oak Room” banquet hall above SSVFD’s Station 4 located at 17921 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860.

A Fire Department Procession will escort Connie from her home to Station 4. Departments with apparatus interested in joining the procession please contact [email protected]

A live streaming will be held at the same time via “Facebook Live” at https://www.facebook.com/SandySpringVolunteers

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department ( www.ssvfd.org/support/donate ) in her name. Check “Dedicate This Gift”. All donations will be used to continue the Fire Prevention and CPR efforts that she was so dearly dedicated to.

A private funeral service for Connie will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.