Published in the January 26, 2018 edition

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Katie Brown, 93, a resident of Chesapeake, Va., and formerly of Melrose died on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

Katie was born in the small town of Evant, Texas on May 19, 1924, one of six children of the late Edwin and Genie (Weeks) Spradley.

When Katie was eighteen years old, she married John Forino and moved near his family in the Little Italy section of New York City. Katie molded right into New York City and came to love the lifestyle, cuisine and music of that time. She was a big fan of The Rat Pack, Bobby Darrin, and Johnny Mathis.

Upon becoming a single parent of three children, Katie took on three jobs to support her family. Through her hard work and determination, she became very successful in the business world as a secretary in a brokerage firm on Wall Street and as secretary for the Democratic Party.

While vacationing on a cruise, Katie met and fell in love with her husband of 45 years, Edward Brown. After moving to Melrose with her new husband, Katie pursued her career and after many promotions became Executive Secretary at BayBank. Katie was valued by her peers and was blessed with many lifelong friendships.

Katie continued to enjoy cooking, was an avid reader and became a loyal Republican leaving democratic politics in New York. Katie was always active with many hobbies such as knitting, sewing, cribbage and bridge. Katie loved the boating lifestyle on Lake Winnipesaukee before she began traveling the world. Katie and Ed continued to travel two to three times a year. As much as she enjoyed her trips abroad, her favorite and most cherished trips were to see her family.

Katie was a bright and vibrant presence in the world, and an extraordinarily loving mother and grandmother. She was well known in the Melrose community where she developed many lasting and treasured friendships. She blessed her family with many happy memories that will always be cherished. She will be missed dearly.

Katie is the beloved wife of the late Edward F. Brown with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Devoted mother of John Forino and his wife Christine of Australia, Ronald P. Forino of Staunton, Va., and Janet Forino and her husband Michael Sidabras of Merrimack, N.H. Dear sister of the late Pauline Boykin, Oscar Spradley, the late Juanita Brooks, the late J.N. Spradley, the late Eddie Spradley, and the late Alyene Boggs. Cherished grandmother of Belle and her husband Eric, Paris, Suzanna and her husband Harvey, Julie, Regina, Christopher, Nicholas, Christopher and Andrea. Adored great grandmother of Alex, Oliver, Capri, and Natalie. Also survived by her daughter-in-law Patricia Forino.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Katie’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Jan. 25, and again on Friday at 10 a.m. for her funeral service. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.