Nerissa J. Brown

Nerissa J. Brown, age 82, of Tecumseh passed away Saturday, Feb. 15 at Herrick Manor with her loving family at her side. She was a 25-year heart transplant survivor. Nerissa was born December 13, 1931 in Tecumseh, the daughter of Henry and Rosie (Matteson) Strand. She first married Robert Ostrander in 1948. She married Luther McCarty in 1955 and later married Merrill Brown in 1978.Nerissa enjoyed crafting. Among her many hobbies she loved crocheting, cake decorating and ceramics. She enjoyed traveling, bird watching, shopping, and talking with her friends. She was an avid bowler and liked to garden and tend to her flowers. She was a wonderful caregiver to her son Tommy. Family was her greatest joy and she will be greatly missed by all that knew her especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Nerissa is survived by her children Roxie (Bill Jr.) Osburn of Tecumseh, Jeane (Rod) Sears of Tecumseh, Vickie (Mark) Jedele of Clinton, Susan McCarty of Tecumseh, Gary McCarty of Adrian, and Nancy McCarty of Adrian; her sister Rose DeJonghe of Britton; grandchildren Leslie (Brent), Lisa, Chris, Jason, Andrea (Jake), Joey (Michelle), Kari (Woody), Richie, Erin, Corine, Nerissa, Katie (Ray), Tiffany, and Max; 17 great grandchildren; and former husband Robert Ostrander. She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands Luther and Merrill; sons Jerry “Boo” and Tommy McCarty; three brothers Bill, Henry Jr. and Eddy; two sisters Eva and Agnes; and great grandson Kyle.Visitation was Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 2-8 p.m. at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. The funeral service was also held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Gary Miller of the Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene officiating. Visitation was also on Wednesday from 12 Noon until the time of the funeral. Burial followed at Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens in Tecumseh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Michigan Transplant Center or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.