Betty Jane (Brown) Giles, a former Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, realtor, died at her home in South Hadley, Mass., on Thursday, July 2.  She was 95.

Born in West Springfield, Mass., in 1925, Betty Jane’s parents were Raymond T. Brown and Georgia L. (Rutherford) Brown. 

Known as “BJ” to family and friends, she was educated at Northfield School for girls and Mount Holyoke College.  BJ grew up in a farming family.  Her childhood included much time spent on the nearby farm owned by her grandparents, Myron and Alice Brown.

Her father founded and ran the successful “Farmer Brown” business in Hartford, which operated commercial farms in several states.

BJ’s interest in farming continued through her life and the garden that she maintained in Brooksville, Maine, where she spent her summers for more than 50 years, is still producing.

BJ began work in real estate as an office assistant, became a licensed broker and eventually joined in a successful real estate partnership, Gerhardt & Giles. On trips to visit homes in the South Hadley area, her clients were often treated to a ride in BJ’s Ford Model T. 

BJ was known by her friends as fiercely independent, self-sufficient and prone to a healthy skepticism of authority. 

She was an avid reader and possessed an intense interest in issues of social justice, civil rights and gender equality.  But what resonates most clearly in the memories shared by those friends is her unending cheerfulness and positivity (“You done good” was her common refrain to those who shared of their recent experiences), the warm welcome she shared with every new acquaintance, and her unique ability to treat others as family. 

Betty Jane was, in turn, welcomed as family by many.

Cape Rosier, on the shores of Maine’s Penobscot Bay, was BJ’s summer residence since the late 1960s.  There she spent many happy years with her beloved partner, Phyllis Riley. 

Throughout her adult life, BJ was generous in her support of community and philanthropic organizations.  Betty Jane’s love and support for her alma mater, Mount Holyoke, continues to this day.  Over the years, she supported MHC athletics and helped to establish the Scholar Athlete Celebration, which continues today.  She was also a supporter of Girl Scouts and Girls Inc. In Maine, she volunteered for many years at the Brooksville Library and supported the Blue Hill Heritage Trust and other land conservation interests. 

Betty Jane is survived by her sister, Carol-Ann (Brown) Narkewicz, nephews Michael Narkewicz (Dana) of Golden, Colorado, Brian Narkewicz (Sarah) of Burlington, Vermont, niece Karen Narkewicz-Hoff (Matt), of Tucson, Arizona, and many loving grandnieces and grandnephews. 

She was predeceased by her parents and niece Susan (Narkewicz) Frattini (Carl).

BJ will be missed by many whose lives she touched.

The family and friends of BJ would like to recognize the dedicated professionals at O’Connell Care at Home, Beacon Hospice, and Loomis Village for providing such loving care to BJ near the end of her life. In particular, Patrice Mackey, RN, went beyond the call of duty – advocating for BJ, keeping BJ’s close circle informed, even grocery shopping – in caring for BJ.  Thank you.

Family and friends will join in a private celebration of Betty Jane’s life at a future date.