Harold and Ora

Brown

RUMFORD – Harold and Ora Brown of Rumford were treated to a 60th wedding anniversary celebration by their four children on Sept. 10. Msgr. Fernand Pichette, cousin of Mrs. Brown, celebrated a Mass at St. Athanasius-St. John Church.

Their grandson, Ehren Brown, sang “Panis Angelicus” and granddaughter, Melissa Violette, sang “Ave Maria.” Grandchildren, Matt and Kristen Stogsdill, carried the gifts of wine and hosts to the altar. A dinner at Park Place followed the Mass.

The Rev. A. Cloutier officiated at the marriage of the couple on Aug. 30, 1945. Matron of honor and best man were Evelyn and Arthur Breau, who currently reside in Naples, Fla., and were unable to attend the celebration.

Mr. Brown is a four-year veteran of World War II, where he served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps. He retired from Oxford Paper Co. after 40 years of employment. Mrs. Brown worked as a CNA in Rumford and at the former Yardgoods Center.

Their children are Jean and husband, John Violette, of Connecticut, Dennis and wife, Nancy Brown, of Connecticut, Gary and wife, Cheryl Brown, of New Hampshire and Pat and husband, Russell Stogsdill, of Maine. Their grandchildren are Ehren Brown and friend, Anagha Sabnis, of Connecticut, Melissa Violette and friend, Scott Flagg, of Florida, Jennifer and husband, John Gerding, of Vermont, Scott Violette and friend, Dawn Scafuri, of Connecticut, Keith and wife, Tanya, Matt and Kristen Stogsdill of Maine, and Carrie Brown and husband, Don Massie, of California. They also have a great-granddaughter, Lauren Violette, of New Hampshire.

The couple received many gifts and cards, as well as good wishes. These included special congratulatory cards, one from the White House and one from Pope Benedict XVI of Rome.

Relatives and friends attended from Rumford, and also from New Hampshire, Florida and Vermont.