[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF BERNICE BROWN

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues today to 
reflect on the rich life and legacy of Bernice Layne Brown. Mrs. Brown 
was the matriarch of a remarkable California family, one that has had a 
profound and positive effect on my State for the past 60 years.
  Bernice Brown was the wife of the late Governor of California Pat 
Brown, and mother of another former Governor, Oakland Mayor Jerry 
Brown; as well as mother to former California State Treasurer Kathleen 
Brown; Cynthia Brown Kelly and Barbara Casey Siggins.
  A true treasure to the Brown family and to all Californians, Bernice 
Brown, at the age of 93, died of natural causes on May 8, 2002 at her 
home in Beverly Hills. Mrs. Brown was the daughter of San Francisco 
Police Captain Arthur Layne. In her high school years, she met Pat 
Brown, and eloped with him in 1930 after making her living as a 
teacher. They were married for an impressive 65 years.
  During the beginning of her husband's political career, she focused 
her time on raising their children. Although liking to avoid the 
spotlight, she was a wonderful asset to her family's campaigns and 
political careers and represented her family with dignity, respect and 
grace. While famous for her elegance and decorum, she was also an 
experienced campaigner who never shied away from giving frank advice to 
the various members of her political brood.
  Bernice Brown will be missed not only by her loving family, but by 
the people of California, who grew to respect her quiet ways in the 
fray of politics. California has lost a remarkable matriarch, and we 
will never forget the legacy she has left us.

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