Veronica Brown 1947-2026

Veronica was born Dec. 16, 1947, in Youngstown, to the late George Bodnar and Helen Salaggie Bodnar.

After her 1965 graduation from Chaney High School, she furthered her education at Lewis, Weinberger and Hill, going on to earn a cosmetology degree by passing her state boards. She went on to earn a manager’s accreditation on her license.

After pursuing her dreams in the cosmetology field, she opted to change directions and gained employment at Packard Electric. It was while working there that Ronnie met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” M. Brown, when she stopped at the gas station he owned. They married June 28, 1969.

Ronnie pursued a few different career paths upon leaving Packard. She worked in the food service industry, at Burger King, Kirkmere Cleaners and several local bakeries. She took a step back from the workforce and became a full-time caregiver to her mother, Helen, and later to the jewels of her world, her grandchildren Dylan and Morgan Roby. She lovingly took care of Tom until his passing after his courageous battle with cancer ended Jan. 4, 2023.

Ronnie was an avid lover of the outdoors. She enjoyed spending time gardening and watching hummingbirds. She loved baking and cooking, sharing her skills in the kitchen along with secret recipes with daughters, Denielle and Amanda, and later her grandchildren, Dylan and Morgan. Ronnie also enjoyed watching Dylan and Morgan at their numerous sporting events. She was also an ardent fan of Elvis Presley, always on the lookout for a unique Elvis item to add to her vast collection. They were blessed to make lasting memories with their beloved mother and Uma.

Beside her parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Tom.

Ronnie will be deeply missed by her daughters, Denielle Brown and Amanda Roby (Michael); grandson, Dylan Roby; and granddaughter, Morgan Roby; her cousins William Shaffron, Debbie and Ray Thomas, and Veronica (Vernie) Turek; along with nephew, Rob Bowman (Marijane) and family.

Friends and family may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, Canfield Road, Youngstown.

A short prayer service will follow at 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Arrangements were entrusted to Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, www.vaschak-kirilafh.com.

(special notice)