Kathryn Gertrude Brown

Katie was born in Ivesdale, Illinois on July 18, 1918, to her parents Mary Gibbons and Andrew Whalen. Her mother died in the 1918 flu epidemic when Katie was 5 months old and Katie was raised by her grandparents John and Gertrude (Auth) Whalen. Although she was raised by them as an only child, she did have three half-brothers on her father's side; Jack, Bob and Jerry Whalen.

She often talked about weekly dances she would attend and her love of social gatherings. Raised on a farm, she knew the meaning of hard work and a positive attitude. Her smile shone brightly each day of her 97 years; her son in law remarked that in 47 years they never had a cross word. She loved animals (especially kitties) and did her daily chores with ease and joy. She was always smiling, always making the best of a situation. She loved simple pleasures; a memory she cherished was of her and her grandfather; he would get two carrots out of the garden, wash them at the water pump, then they would sit together on the step and eat them in the sun.

Katie graduated from Tolono High School in 1937. She married Joseph Byron “Brownie” Brown on August 17, 1940. They had 5 children; Mary Elaine, Roger Joseph, James Bernard, Pamela Ann and Diane Marie. As a mother of five children that were always in to some sort of mischief she honed her skills in patience and grace. Although those five kept her on her toes, she cherished her family; her love was unmistakable.

What we’ll remember about Katie:

• Her eyes were bright, curious, interested and welcoming; she certainly had a twinkle in her eye.

• Still driving well into her 80’s Katie had a bit of a lead foot to get to the club with the girls. She was active in her senior club for many years playing all sorts of games and always laughing and enjoying the company of her friends.

• She still loved walking with her friends around the community at 89 years old.

• She seemed to have supernatural mothering power—invoking lightening and bicycle accidents to underscore her authority.

• She loved to laugh. Driving one day she stopped and the door fell off the car. She laughed...even in the face of adversity.

• She took her 5 kids to church every Sunday; her faith was a large part of her life.

• She made roast beef with au jus, green beans, and white bread every Sunday for her husband, “Brownie.”

• She was always up for an adventure and took many trips across country and internationally.

• It was her tradition to play kitty poker every New Year’s Eve.

• With family, the volume would be loud and continuous. Raucous laughter as stories would be told; horrific and hilarious stories from her children’s antics growing up eliciting giggles from her. Oh the patience she had…the details of the stories made one wonder how any of them made it through their childhoods!

• She had a very kind and open way of connecting with others and with sharing her opinions. It was easy to talk to her about anything, even if she had different beliefs, because she was open minded; never judgmental. She would rather hear more about what you were saying than debate or critique your position. And if there were a difference of opinions she'd simply say what was right for her versus stating that the other position was wrong.

• She had a way of listening that made you feel truly important, and when guidance or direction was useful or necessary, as in the case of the behaviors of children and grandchildren, she would talk about why that behavior wouldn't be her choice versus telling how another should behave. By stating her position based on her own standards she made the space for the recipient of her guidance to make their own best choice. She led by example.

She always said:

• See anything green? Lick it up clean!

• Everything’s fine and the goose hangs high.

• Don’t look at my feet!

• I’m giving you over to Mother Cabrini.

• If someone wants a date with you for Saturday, they should call by Wednesday.

• Fine, like a bee.

• I wouldn’t do that, but you can.

• …And to the oooooooold (agoots.)

• Ty-Ty (Thank you!)

FAMILY

Preceded in death by her husband, brothers Jack and Jerry, daughter Pamela, and granddaughter Karen Leuben.

Survived by her brother Bob, her remaining children and grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends.

On Monday, May 9, 2016 she will join her beloved husband "Brownie" in South Lawn Cemetery. Open visitation will be held from 9am-1pm followed by a gravesite ceremony at 1:30pm.

She kept notes of memories as a request from her daughter and granddaughter in 1998. Within the pages of that book she kept this poem:

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free

Miss me a little – but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me – but let me go.

Author Unknown

Everybody loved her; some that never met her...her smile has brightened the lives of friends-of-friends that now grieve the loss of this beautiful spirit.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, Tucson, AZ.