The incandescent Shelley Brown (née Sternbach), of Concord, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026 at 4:41 p.m. in the loving company of her two daughters. She lived her life exuberantly, full of strength, wonder, passion, and fierce devotion to her family and friends.

Born in Manhattan on July 9, 1952, to Jack and Caroline Sternbach, Shelley fell in love with acting at an early age. She received a BA in English with a minor in theater from the University at Albany and went on to study theater at Tufts University. Shelley acted in as many plays as she possibly could—she often said she would have performed a play in a pizza shop if they’d let her. She was an active and beloved member of the theater community in the Boston area and cofounded the Titanic Theatre Company in 2011.

Ever the powerhouse, Shelley also made a profound and lasting impact in her fundraising career. After 17 years as director of research and systems for MIT’s development department, Shelley built the operations department at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, transforming a team of just a few individuals into a multifaceted department of almost 70 members. She retired as vice president of operations in May 2025, after 20-plus years at the Trust, and was incredibly proud of the work she and her team did to support children’s health.

Shelley delighted everyone she met with her vibrancy and warmth. She hosted numerous parties and gatherings at her home in Concord, Massachusetts, where she moved in 2015 after more than 30 years in Lexington. Her many friends will remember her quick wit, ready laugh, and unstoppable eagerness to experience great art, travel, food, and music.

Shelley’s adored husband of more than 40 years, Richard Brown, passed away in 2020. She is deeply loved by her two daughters, Lauren and Jenny Brown; her brothers, Mitch and Rich Sternbach; her son-in-law, Ken McCarthy; her soon-to-be son-in-law, Donal Logue; and her granddaughter, Lily McCarthy, who will always cherish her as the world’s best Mimi.

Shelley faced her brief illness with the optimism and brave spirit she displayed throughout her life.

A private burial is being held on Monday, April 6 at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, and a celebration of life will take place at her home in May.

Gifts in her memory may be sent to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.