Miriam Marie Brown

Miriam Marie (Train) Brown, 88, of Myrtle Point, passed away on February 28, 2026, at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, Oregon. She was born on August 14, 1937, in McMullen Creek, Myrtle Point, to Russell Train and Dora Belle (McMullen) Train. Although Miriam passed away unexpectedly, she took her final breath, surrounded by an abundance of family and friends who filled the room with love. The room was packed as the chaplain offered a final prayer, and her son gently rubbed her heart while softly humming Amazing Grace. It was a moment that reflected the very essence of her life—Miriam valued community, and in return, the community deeply valued her.

Miriam graduated from Saint Mary’s of the Valley Catholic School in Portland and later from Skadron College of Business in California with a degree in bookkeeping. After completing her education, she returned to Myrtle Point, where she met Orville Brown. They married in November 1957 and remained together until his passing in January 2005. In October 2005, she married Robert (Bob) Mast, and they were married until his passing in 2016.

Miriam lovingly embraced Orville’s three children from his previous marriage and, in June 1958, welcomed the first of her six children. While raising their family, she worked various jobs until discovering her true passion serving her community through the Myrtle Point Ambulance service. She began volunteering in 1979 while working part‑time at Security Bank. In 1986, when asked to choose between her job and her volunteer work, Miriam chose service.

She later became Director of Myrtle Point Ambulance, earning her Paramedic certification through Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC). She was instrumental in establishing the Myrtle Point Health/Fire District and wrote numerous grants that funded ambulances and essential equipment. As an EMT/Paramedic instructor for SWOCC, she trained many who followed in her footsteps. After retiring from the ambulance service in 2005, she worked on‑call as a medical assistant for North Bend Medical Center. She also played a key role in the passage of ORS 163.245, Oregon’s Custodial Interference Law.

Miriam lived on the same family property where she raised her children, remaining there until her passing. She was active in the Myrtle Point Rotary Club, the Myrtle Point Senior Center, the Myrtle Point Health/Fire District, and local genealogy groups. She will be remembered for her unselfish acts of kindness, her generosity, her adventurous spirit including a spirited trip to Ireland just two years ago and the special bond she shared with her dog, Precious. Her greatest joy was her family: her children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and great‑great‑grandchildren.

Miriam was predeceased by her parents; all siblings except her brother, Mike Roby of Coos Bay; both husbands; daughters, Tammy Brown and Patricia Barney; and granddaughter, Daniella Elder‑Brown.

She is survived by her children Kathy (Dan) Schnur of Myrtle Point; Rusty Brown of Hillsboro; Charlie Brown of Myrtle Point; Samuel Brown Sr. of Coos Bay; and Harry (Susan) Brown of Myrtle Point. She is also survived by six stepchildren: Daniel (Diana) Brown of Idaho; Tanya Brown of Coquille; Willena Pesacreta of California; and Robert Mast, Billy Mast, and Loretta Al‑Essa, all of the Portland area. She leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and great‑great‑grandchildren.

A service will be held Saturday, March 28, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oaks Pavilion at the Myrtle Point Fairgrounds. Burial will follow at Norway Cemetery, with a private graveside service.

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