Funeral Details

Rita Brown

August 5, 1946 - June 2, 2026

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Friday, June 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
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Clergy

Cantor Jay O'Brien
Makom Solel Lakeside

Interment

Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
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Shiva

The Brown Residence
393 Delta Road
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
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A gathering following the interment will be held until 6:30PM.

Shiva will be observed Saturday, 5:30PM to 8:30PM, and Sunday, 2PM to 5PM

Memorial Contributions

Annunciation House
P.O. Box 11189
El Paso, TX 79995
www.annunciationhouse.org




OBITUARY

Rita Stutland Brown, age 79, died on June 2, 2026, at her home in Highland Park, Illinois. Rita was born in Chicago on August 5, 1946, to Eva and Albert Stutland.

A dedicated educator for more than 40 years, she began her career teaching on Chicago’s west side. Rita then taught piano to generations of Highland Park students and neighbors, both young and old. In the 1990s, Rita earned her bilingual certification and proudly finished her career teaching elementary-aged English learners in Wheeling, Illinois.

A music lover, Rita delighted in attending concerts and shows from Ravinia to Broadway. She was a beloved fixture in the neighborhood, often seen walking day and night, never missing an opportunity to chat with anyone she saw.

She will be deeply missed by her three sons, Jason Brown; Darren (Iran) Brown; and Adam (Sarah Beth) Brown; her beloved grandchildren, Alice and Joseph Brown and Jordan Brown; her brother, Gary (Andi) Stutland; former husband Stephen Brown; and many beloved relatives and friends.

Service Friday 10 AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road (One block north of Lake Cook Road), Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Annunciation House, P.O. Box 11189, El Paso, TX 79995, www.annunciationhouse.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Rita Brown below and we will share them with the family.
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Rita brought beauty and the spirit of music to all who knew her. She was my teacher, my mentor and my friend. I cherish the sound of her piano and her laughter. I will miss her, and will carry her in my heart and soul.

Julie Isaacson
June 3, 2026
The memories of our times together in Evanston and then across the miles will be cherished by me forever. Love, Susan in California

Susan Hardisty
June 3, 2026
Our condolences on your loss.

Nicole Lawrence
June 3, 2026
I’m sorry to learn of Rita’s passing. She was a sweet, lovely woman. My condolences to all.

Barbara Berger
June 4, 2026
I met Rita in a Spanish conversation group in Highland Park. She brought an interesting and animated perspective to our conversations. Rita was kind and thoughtful. May her memory be a blessing.

Vicki Schwartz-Mided
June 4, 2026
Rita and I became friends 27 years ago when my sister Karol died. We helped each other recover and enjoyed many years of friendship.
We loved to meet for lunch and take walks. We loved to talk about our kids and grandkids.
Sometimes we went to the Botanical Gardens and we loved to walk to the fountain in Highland Park.
I’m so happy for the time we had, but I will miss her so much.
Love,
Sue❤️

Sue Kopff
June 4, 2026
Rita was one of the sweetest women I knew. I had the privilege of working with her in Wheeling for a few years. She was always smiling and always going the extra mile for others. She will be greatly missed.

Leah Kolcz
June 5, 2026
Mrs.Brown thats by the name i remember her she was my elementary teacher the best one I had thanks to her I know what I know she teached me English and Spanish at the same time thank you Mrs. Brown . May you rest in peace you will always be remembered and loved. La quiero y me duele su partida y mas porque nunca pude ir a visitarla como habiamos planeado.. nos volveremos a ver un dia descanse en paz

Mariana Negron
June 5, 2026
Rita was my coworker in the bilingual Department. She was very good friend and always ready to help other people. Rita will always be remember.

Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Samuel Porras
June 5, 2026
Rita always had a warm and loving smile on her face. It was obvious she loved teaching and always wanted the best for her students. I taught in her classroom many times and it was always a pleasure to teach with such a loving educator.

Marj O\'Reilly
June 6, 2026