Judith Marie (Knudsen) Brown

Our family shares the news that our Lord’s faithful servant, Judith Marie Knudsen Brown, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Prairie Village, Kansas after complications from a stroke and dementia. Judy dedicated her life to loving her husband, nurturing a beautiful family, forming lifelong friendships, and making significant contributions to her community through her leadership and compassion.

Born on November 6, 1943, in Minneapolis, Judy cherished her upbringing there, graduating from Nakomis Junior High and Roosevelt High School. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Minna and Arthur Knudsen. In 1963, while living in the Alpha Phi sorority house as a student attending the University of Minnesota, she met the love of her life on a blind date, Stewart D. Brown from Hillside, NJ. In 1965 Judy married Stewart, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota, and embarked on a 60-year marriage in Midland, Michigan where Stew began his career with The Dow Chemical Company.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Stewart, her three children, Libby (Matt) Britton of Montana, Stefanie (Tim) Kelley of Leawood, KS, and Christian (Amy) Brown of The Woodlands, TX, along with 14 grandchildren and spouses, 9 great-grandchildren, her brother Willis (Margaret) Knudsen of Bloomington, MN. Judy also adored her many nieces and nephews and her many Minnesota cousins and extended family.

Judy had a special gift for connecting with others, which enriched her life with friendships in every place that she and Stew called home. Over their 60 years of marriage, they had 17 different addresses, including five in Michigan, with stops in California, Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina, and finally Kansas. Under her guidance, the family flourished as she was actively involved in their children’s education and extracurricular activities.

In Midland, MI, Judy formed a close-knit group of tennis players and was a proud member of the Klytean Club during all four times she lived there. She also engaged deeply with Memorial Presbyterian Church. While living in Chagrin Falls, OH, she resided in the historic Harris home on South Franklin Street. She became an active member of The Federated Church, took daily walks at Harris Stadium, and supported the Cleveland Orchestra. Judy founded the “Sweet Potato Queens” and was the beloved Queen Mother to a fabulous group of friends. For over 24 years, their annual gatherings have been filled with red wigs, margaritas, and hysterical laughter.

Throughout their many corporate relocations, Judy remained committed to the Alpha Phi Sorority, which meant so much to her during her college years. She later served on its National Foundation Board of Trustees. She was also dedicated to the Junior League, volunteering countless hours as a Sustainer. And she had a profound faith in God, serving with Community Bible Study and church communities wherever she lived.

During their twenty-five years in Hilton Head Island, SC, Judy was deeply committed to the congregation at The Church of the Cross, in Bluffton, SC, where she dedicated herself to the mission of the Daughters of the Holy Cross. Additionally, Judy embraced her role as a host for the annual Hilton Head International Piano Competition, forming lasting connections with guest competitors from around the world.

Her passion for learning and her love for her friends propelled her and Stew to explore 48 US states and 50 countries worldwide. Judy will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, intelligence, dedication to her family, piano playing and tap dancing, and her infectious laughter. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, mother-in-law, Nana, Banana, and friend.

Judy will be laid to rest on the bluff overlooking the May River at The Church of the Cross, 110 Calhoun St., Bluffton, SC on Monday, August 11, at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the following non-profit organizations that had a profound and special lifetime impact on Judy.

* Alpha Phi Foundation - https://alphaphifoundation.org/ways-to-give/donate/

Judy lived in the Alpha Phi house at the University of Minnesota for one semester her junior year as the recipient of a scholarship from the Alpha Phi Foundation. As an alumni of Alpha Phi, she served as a member of the Board of trustees of the Alpha Phi Foundation.

* The Church of the Cross, Bluffton, SC - https://thechurchofthecross.net/give/

Judy and Stew attended The Church of the Cross for 20 years. Judy was a leader and servant in The Order of the Daughters of the King. Judy will be interred on the bluff overlooking the May River at the church’s Historic Campus.

* Ability KC - https://abilitykc.org/donate-to-ability-kc/

Judy attended acute outpatient rehabilitation 5 days a week for three months and then three days a week for two months to recover from her stroke and brain injury. Her work with PT, OT, and Speech therapists gave her confidence and she worked very hard. Her therapists and nurses fell in love with Judy and her super power of socialization!

* KC Hospice House - https://kchospice.org/donate/

Judy was cared for at the serene and beautiful KC Hospice House for 8 days. The outstanding staff ministered to Stew, Libby, Stefanie and Christian. The nurses and aides were consistent, frequent, caring, gentle, encouraging, and sensed every need Judy or any of the family collectively or individually needed at any moment. We are grateful for this safe and caring place in Judy’s final days.