Dec 20, 2020

Rebecca Joann Ruschel-Brown, 72, Of Lakeland, Fla., passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020, in Lakeland Regional Health. She was a daughter of the late Raymond L. McConnell and Lois Ann Craft McConnell.

She was a retired employee at the assistant public defender’s office of Polk county, Lakeland, Fla.

She studied at Carlow College and received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She also was an active member of the organization that advocated for disabled children to be mainstreamed into public schools.

Preceding Rebecca in death was her husband, Benjamin Lloyd Brown.

Surviving are three daughters, Shawn Leah Ruschel, Tanya Raye Silcott, Paula Cherrise (Richie) Brower; a brother, Dennis R. (Barbara) McConnell; grandsons Nicholas R. Silcott, Justin P. Silcott, Christopher J. (Emily) Brower, Matthew S. Brower, Joshua A. Brower.

In honor of Rebecca’s wishes, there will not be a viewing or services held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Cerebral Palsy, https://ucp.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com.