Frances Brown-Doell

Age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Fran was born in Glen Rock, NJ on June 4, 1938, the daughter of Dr. Theodore and Mrs. Ethel Martin. After graduating from Ridgewood High School in New Jersey, she attended Michigan State University.

Throughout her life, Fran had many endeavors, interests, and passions. She was an exceptional fly angler, even constructing her own bamboo fly rod. This interest led her to becoming co-owner of the highly regarded and well known, Brown’s Trout Hatchery in Bliss, NY, one the very first of its kind in New York State. During this time, she also began raising and showing Rex rabbits and would go on to win many national titles and accolades for the show quality rabbits she would raise. The one constant in Fran’s life, however, were horses. From her earliest days to her last, she was always enamored with them. Appaloosas were her breed of choice and Fran spent as much time as possible with them whether it was riding, showing, or just caring for them. Her farm, Wiscoy Appaloosas, would raise some of the finest show quality Appaloosas in the area. Through her determination, she brought the open horse show to the Wyoming County Fair, which she ran for several years. She often said the best time of her life was spent riding her beloved horse Skip on the beaches of Cape Cod. Along with horses, Fran was a lover of dogs, having dozens of them throughout her life. Later in life she would enjoy all nature had to offer on her farm outside of Fillmore, NY spending time amongst the birds, flowers, and trees.

Fran was employed for many years at Sinclair’s in Warsaw working behind the pharmacy counter and prior to that enjoyed working as a bus driver for Letchworth Central School.

Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her sisters Loretta and Christine.

Frances is survived by her sons Patrick Black of Fillmore, Michael Black of Bliss, Mark (Autumn) Black of Wyoming, a daughter Ethel Brown of Warsaw, sister Dr. T. Penny Martin of Topsham, ME, along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, a niece, and a nephew.

According to Fran’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of her life will be planned and announced in the future. Donations in her memory can be made to the Wyoming County Animal Shelter, 4380 Route 19, Silver Springs, NY 14550.