(Copyright, Castiglione Funeral Home)
Elise Benedict Browne, 75, of Tampa, FL, died peacefully on September 22. Elise is predeceased by Vernon Browne, her loving husband and lifelong companion of over 50 years. Together, they spent their early years at eleven Naval duty stations worldwide before settling in Greenwich, CT where they raised their family.
An early member of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Elise raised New York’s first national champion, helping establish New York as a respected source of quality Thoroughbreds. A lifelong participant, Elise became a recognized breeder of winners at prominent tracks throughout North America and Europe, annually bringing some of the finest yearlings to the Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, which historically featured elite Kentucky and mid-Atlantic farms. Elise placed the lifelong care of Thoroughbreds and welfare of equine industry employees well above the value she placed on winning races.
Elise’s passion for the health and wellness of others extended beyond the equine realm, and she led fundraising efforts that supported her belief in and commitment to helping those in need.
Elise spent her early childhood in Manhattan before moving to “the country,” Purchase, NY. She graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Wagner College and earned a Master of Arts Degree from Columbia University. Fittingly, Elise received the “Concern for Others” award from the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Elise lived and led with her heart, known as a friend without limitation, giving of herself with unremitting willingness.
Elise is survived by sons Brad (and his fiancee, Lori, both of Greenwich), Jeff and Chris; adoring grandchildren Bradley, Jr. and Stephanie (both of Greenwich), and by sisters, Patricia Benedict Ryan, Diane Benedict, Elena Benedict Smith and Verna Neilson. Elise was as true a friend, mother, sister and grandmother as there ever was, and will live always in our hearts.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 30th from 4-8 pm at the Castiglione Funeral Home, 544 Old Post Road #3, Greenwich. Castiglionefh.com. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, October 1st at 10:30 am at St. Michael Church, 469 North Street, Greenwich.
Memorial donations may be made to People and Animals Living Synergistically (paalsforlife.com), an organization that offers care to the unwanted, whether they have hooves, claws, paws, or fingers, for a moment or for a lifetime; or to Metropolitan Ministries (metromin.org) which serves poor and homeless families in the Tampa area.
I worked for Elise in the late 80’s early 90’s at Tilly Foster Farms.With fond memories I will always remember going on long trail rides on Schatzi and Blanche with her . Whenever I think of her ,I think of her as a kindhearted and fun person .My sincere condolences go out to Brad ,Jeff and Chris.