Mary Elizabeth Browne

Maribeth Miller Browne passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 18, 2025, at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. On Thursday evening before her passing, her entire family gathered around her, and the room was filled with love and peace. Her husband fell asleep holding her hand, and she slipped away quietly before midnight—surrounded by love, comfort, and care.

Maribeth faced large B-cell plasmablastic lymphoma with courage and resolve. In her final weeks, her fight was reignited with the news that her family would be growing in early 2026 with the addition of her second grandchild. Though the illness ultimately claimed her life, hope never left her, and it spoke to the deep devotion she carried for her family until the very end.

Born in Connecticut, on November 6, 1960, Maribeth spent part of her childhood in Rochester, New York, before eventually making her way to Marietta, Ohio—where her roots ran deep and where she truly found home. When her family first moved to Marietta in 1968, they lived for several months at The Lafayette Hotel while searching for a permanent home. During that time, the restaurant staff there lovingly made her lunches for school, a small kindness she remembered fondly.

Maribeth was the eldest daughter of five children and carried that role with strength and responsibility. She was preceded in death by her father, John Miller—who co-founded the Marietta Girls Youth Basketball League in 1973; her mother, Carol Miller—who played a pivotal role in bringing Montessori education to St. Mary’s School in Marietta; and her beloved sister, Laura Jeanne Miller. Surviving siblings are Andrew Miller, Susan Baker, and David Miller.

Maribeth shared a devoted and enduring 39-year marriage with her husband, David Browne, whom she married on October 11, 1986. The two met while working summer jobs at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH in 1980 between college years at Bowling Green State University. Maribeth had never been to Cedar Point and only attended the on-campus interviews after tagging along with her sorority sisters—she was the only one not hoping to get a job. True to form, she was the only one who received an offer, a testament to her bubbly personality and unmistakable can-do spirit. Cedar Point would remain a meaningful place throughout their lives. Maribeth and David later enjoyed many summer trips there with their children, and both Kyle and Abby would go on to work there themselves during summers of their college years. Cedar Point will always hold a special place in the Browne family’s heart.

A devout Catholic, Maribeth’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a longtime and dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marietta and often attended multiple services each week, both there and at other parishes in the area. Her days were frequently accompanied by the sound of EWTN radio, which she listened to faithfully and drew comfort from. Her belief was not only practiced, but lived—through kindness, service, perseverance, and love.

Chances are, if you’ve walked through downtown Marietta, you’ve met Maribeth. Some people lovingly called her “Maribeth of Marietta.” She was known for her warmth, excitement, and the way she made people feel seen and cared for without asking for recognition in return. Maribeth was a great friend, especially to those who needed one, and dedicated much of her life to caring deeply for those who were lonely.

Maribeth is survived by her devoted husband, David Browne, and the family she cherished so deeply: her children - Chelsea Browne (fiancé, Kyle Boker); Kyle Browne; and Abby Browne (partner, Caleb Brown). She adored her granddaughter, Alessandra “Ali” Browne, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her second grandchild, a grandson, in 2026.

Arrangements for visitation at Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, as well as a Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, will be scheduled for early 2026.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude to the staff at Kobacker House. Their compassion, professionalism, and humanity made an immeasurable difference, providing comfort not only to Maribeth, but to all who loved her during her final days.

Maribeth’s legacy lives on in her family, in the countless lives she touched, and in the enduring kindness and exuberant zest for life she carried with her everywhere she went.

CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME OF MARIETTA is honored to serve the Browne family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.