Ivonne Brown, a 40+ year member of the SCC.
Ivonne Brown was born in Limón, Costa Rica in 1940. After receiving a degree in chemistry from the University of San Jose, she emigrated to the United States, residing first in Brooklyn, then Roosevelt, NY. Ivonne’s career spanned 43 years, first with Coty, followed by 30 years as Section Manager in Makeup R&D at Revlon.
Ivonne balanced two seemingly fulltime careers: that of beloved wife and mother and that of a respected, also loved, lab manager in our high-pressure industry. Her lab developed many innovative color formulations, resulting in a number of patents. A line of makeup specifically designed to complement skin tones of Women of Color was a proud achievement. Chemists mentored in her lab received a solid foundation in a thorough, science-based approach to formulation that included responsibility for scaleup. Many have continued on to have long, successful careers in the industry
Upon retirement from Revlon, Ivonne turned the page and remained constantly busy, dedicating her time at Memorial Presbyterian Church to many activities, including visiting the sick and shut in. Her tireless energy and love for people and humanity set an example for those she knew from both our industry and her church related activities. We remember her as a kind, giving person who was always willing to give her all and help anyone while gently but firmly pushing the rest of us to do so, too.
Ivonne passed away on September 2, 2020. She is survived by her beloved husband, Clarence Sr., her children Clarence Jr., Shawn, and Sheenell, as well as many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A scholarship fund has been set up in her memory through the Memorial Presbyterian Church, Roosevelt, NY 11575.