Shirley Ann Charles Browner (affectionately known as Ma), a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at the age of 88 surrounded by family. She was born on September 16, 1937, in Sussex, NJ, to Esther Finkelstein Charles and Joseph Charles.

Shirley, The Browner Matriarch, grew up in the small town of Sussex, New Jersey, where her parents ran a clothing store, and received her bachelor’s degree from Beaver College and Boston University as well as her Masters in Education degree from the University of Maryland. Naturally curious, Shirley approached life with a love of learning that blossomed into a lifelong passion for education. For 40 years, she served as a Reading and Study Skills Counselor whose compassion and dedication profoundly impacted the lives, hearts, and minds of every student she worked with.

She will be remembered for her love of music, her sharp wit, her remarkable ability to see the beauty in the smallest moments and the simplest things, and for the meaningful relationships she built throughout her amazing life. Her long-time friends were her lifeline, but her richest asset was her family.

Shirley Browner is survived by her children, Nanci Reich (spouse Harvey) and Joel Browner (partner Chelsea); her grandchildren, Michael Reich (spouse Leah), Bryan Reich (spouse Kelsey), Nicole Reich, Jacob Browner, and Emmie Browner, in addition to her many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will deeply cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Browner, her mother Esther Finkelstein Charles, her father Joseph Charles, and siblings Seymour (Pearl) Charles, Flora (Leslie) Weston, and Marvin Charles.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 am EST at the Judean Memorial Gardens located at 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD 20832. A reception will follow at Shirley’s favorite Greek restaurant, the Greek Village located at 13476 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The family invites all who knew her to celebrate her life and memory, and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/) to honor Shirley Browner’s memory. As an avid learner and passionate educator, we will also be creating a scholarship fund in Shirley's honor. More details are forthcoming.

Shirley treasured her family and friends and lived a life full of love, laughter, and generosity, leaving a legacy that will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her. Shirley’s light will continue to shine in the memories and stories shared by her loved ones. The family wishes to thank all friends, neighbors, and caregivers for their love, support, and kindness. Your thoughtfulness and presence have been a great comfort.

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