Margaret Angelina Brown

She didn’t like being called feisty. Would you call a grizzly bear feisty? She was a force of nature whose small stature belied an iron will coupled with boundless energy that carried her all the way to the age of 102. She grew up in the Depression, came of age during World War 2, and learned to rise and meet every challenge that came her way, all with a loving heart and a sly twinkle in her eye that informed her motto: “Life may not be the party we expected, but while we’re here, let’s dance.”

Byron Brown, serving with the Army Air Corps, thanked his lucky stars when he met her at a dance in Walla Walla Washington, and though their courtship was brief their marriage was long, lasting nearly 50 years till Byron passed away in 1994. Their twin boys Mark and Scott were born in 1952 and later diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, and as Byron and Margaret found that there were limited educational and independent living opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, they began a lifetime of advocacy to ensure that their boys and others like them were not treated as second class citizens. She served as president and was a member of the board of the Arc of Weld County as well as Envision, and dedicated so much energy to improving the lives of people with disabilities that she was honored at the 2013 Celebrating Women Gala. “What this means to me,” she said at the time, “is maybe there is a reason I was sent these twin boys, and I did my very best. I feel like my life has been worth it; that I’m leaving something behind.” She was an inspiration. Her beloved siblings Fritz and Barbara preceded her in death, as did her son Mark. She leaves behind her loving son Scott, her longtime close ally, Dave, many adoring nieces and nephews and a grateful community of friends.

In remembrance of Margaret’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Arc of Weld County Margaret Brown Scholarship.

A visitation for Margaret will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Allnutt Funeral Service - Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634. A mass of Christian burial will occur Friday, April 29, 2022 at 11:30 AM with an early viewing starting at 10:30 AM at St Mary's Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Ave, Greeley, Colorado 80634. A burial will occur Friday, April 29, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W. 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.