Catherine Elizabeth "Beth" Drinan (Brown)

Catherine Elizabeth "Beth" Drinan (Brown), 73, passed away gracefully in the embrace of her family on February 16, 2022 as nearby church bells chimed the hour. The winter sun made a rare appearance, shining brightly that day, and the moon was luminously full that night; the cosmos had hung their lanterns to guide her onward.

Beth was born on May 28, 1948 in Akron, OH to beloved parents Mary Louise (Johnston) & Clarence Brown, both of whom preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by brothers Donald (Ida) Brown & Rodger (Patti) Brown, as well as a band of Irish aunts & uncles, all of whom no doubt welcomed her into their arms with a toast. Those left to keep her memory alive include her dedicated daughter Marjorie (Tessa Torowski) Drinan and her beautiful boy Kenneth Drinan III; brother Tom Brown, a true guardian; steadfast sister Marjorie (John) Versiackas; and cherished nieces, nephews & cousins.

As a child, Beth loved playing at Mason Park with a free-range gang of neighborhood kids. She graduated proudly from St. Mary's High School. Beth heeded the call to adventure by moving to New York City & graduating summa cum laude from Hunter College with a degree in art education. She worked at the Plaza Hotel, taught kindergarten, and retired from the US Postal Service. She ran multiple marathons, backpacked across Europe in her fifties, and sang with the Summit Choral Society.

A celebration of her spirited life will take place in warmer weather, so the blooms, butterflies, and birds that Beth delighted in can bid their farewells. In lieu of flowers, please create moments of magic & whimsy with your loved ones. Memorials in Beth's honor can be made to the Alzheimer's Association; Girls on the Run NE Ohio; and Summit MetroParks.

Our family extends enduring gratitude to sister-in-law Nancy Drinan; The Heilmann & McIntosh families; Emily Jimerson; The Alzheimer's Association; the compassionate healthcare professionals who worked to preserve her dignity; the neighbors who formed a circle of safety & support around her; and all others who continued to remember her when she could no longer remember them.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory Fairlawn Chapel  85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.