Regina Christine Ellen Brown

Regina Christine Ellen Kahi Brown passed away on May 7, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Even knowing how strong she was her passing still felt sudden to us. She was born July 7, 1951, in Christchurch, New Zealand to Ellen and Alexander Kahi.

Regina grew up in Christchurch attending Burnside High School. She grew up in a family of musicians and was a talented singer herself. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, listening to her father and uncles perform. She knew how to throw a great party whether it was with cups of tea or dancing to music.

Regina traveled the world as a military spouse, creating countless and unforgettable memories wherever she roamed. She loved people and welcomed everyone who came across her path. She enjoyed her work as a cosmetologist, until she was diagnosed with renal kidney failure. Her laugh was infectious, and she truly was one of a kind. She was feisty with the mouth of a sailor, could scold you like a pro, and tell you she loved you all in the same breath. She lived life to the fullest even with the numerous health battles she encountered, never giving up, and pushing through many hardships. Regina loved being with her husband, her family, and friends.

Regina is survived and missed by her loving husband of 48 years, Daniel Brown; and their children Kim (Jason) Meyer, Dena (Darren) Fife, and Michael. She is remembered and cherished by her sisters Shirley (Jeff) Steenson and Diane Kahi as well as her five grandchildren Olivia and Rylan Fife; Amelia, Aryana, and Emory Brown.

Her memory lives with her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, and all those who had the opportunity to know and love her.

Regina was preceded in death by her parents Ellen and Alexander Kahi; her in-laws Ralph and Marlene Brown and Angie Collins; her brother Mark Kahi; and her niece Liana Kahi.

“Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane” is a Māori whakatauki (proverb) which translates to the totara has fallen in the forest of Tane. Like the totara, Regina was a tree to her family, strong, resilient, steady, grounded, and supportive. Devastating as her passing is, we must remember her sage words of wisdom and continue to carry the torch for her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12th from 10 to 11 a.m. at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow at 12:00 pm at Resthaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Regina Brown to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org/.