Jeanette S. Brown MD

February 16, 1954 - January 1, 2021

Jeanette Sarah Brown MD, beloved spouse, mother, stepmother and sister, passed away at home on New Year’s Day, 2021 after a long and courageous struggle with the neurodegenerative disorder Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. A renowned physician, dedicated researcher and award-winning medical educator, she will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Born to Calvin and Jeanette Brown on February 16, 1954 in Succasunna, New Jersey, Jeanette spent her childhood on the East Coast and received her medical degree in 1980 from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University. In the fall of 1980, Jeanette’s studies led her to Berkeley, California where she met her spouse and life partner of forty-one years, Stephanie De Maria. Dr. Brown was a Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science, with joint appointments in the departments of Urology and Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of California San Francisco. As the Vice Chair for Clinical & Translational Research in her department, a founding member of the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health and a founder of the UCSF Women’s Health Clinical Research Center, Dr. Brown was a tireless and devoted advocate for women’s health. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership in the field and is remembered for her optimistic outlook, creative problem-solving and visionary thinking. With a specific passion for training the next generation of researchers, Dr. Brown also co-founded the CTSI Mentor Development Program at UCSF and in 2011 was honored with the Mentoring Award by the UCSF Academic Senate. In this position she was a positive role model for countless trainees.

Jeanette lived life to the fullest with her family on her ranch in Moss Beach, California where she enjoyed tending to her chickens, horses and garden. Jeanette was also a passionate traveler who explored the world with the same upbeat curiosity and excitement she brought to all her endeavors.

Jeanette is survived by her loving wife Stephanie De Maria; son Cal Brown (Lydia McNiel); stepchildren Sarah Borruso (Paul Knowles), John Borruso (Notara Lum), Matthew Borruso (Courtney Johnson); grandson Luca BorrusoKnowles; brother William Brown (Larry Costner); brother-in-law Mark De Maria (Jan De Maria) and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.

Jeanette’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to home health aide Cathy Antonio, who cared for Jeanette with compassion and love over the last two years.

A fund has been established in Dr. Brown’s honor to support trainees in women’s health clinical research at UCSF. Contributions may be made to makeagift.UCSF.edu/ JeanetteBrown or by check, made payable to the UCSF Foundation, Lockbox 45339, San Francisco, CA, 941450339 with “Jeanette Brown Memorial Mentor Fund B9182” in the memo line. A memorial will be held for Jeanette at a future date when it is safe for all who loved her to gather together.