Nelda Brown

Nelda Carnahan Brown was born in Fairbank, Iowa on April 25, 1927. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Nelda passed away peacefully in her home in San Jose on August 27, 2025, at age 98, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, and two sisters.

She lived in Waterloo, Iowa until age 12, when they moved to El Monte, California, arriving just before the start of the school year. They stayed in a motel until they could find a place to live. The kids in the school bus told her that they were in the cabin where “It Happened One Night” was filmed. During the depression, money was scarce, so her mother taught her children to sew. As the sisters got older and wanted a new dress, they made it themselves. The family (Mom, Dad and sisters Wanda and Norma) then moved to San Diego. Her father said there were too many soldiers and sailors coming to the house so when school ended, they moved to San Jose. Nelda was in junior high in the fall of 1941 just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Her father worked in the shipyards at Hunters Point.

After graduation from High School, Nelda worked at Hales Department Store as a bookkeeper. She moved to San Francisco at age 24 and worked for Union Oil. She lived in a boarding house in San Francisco and loved the conveniences available. Her friend was dating a district attorney, and went to the bar across the street. Half of the bar patrons left when the district attorney walked in. Three years later, she moved back to San Jose and worked for Langendorf Bakery. She retired in 1982 at age 55.

She joined a singles group in 1963 where she met her husband, Brownie. They were married for almost 30 years. He was a beer delivery driver for Falstaff Brewing. He was divorced and had three children. They had a great marriage until she was widowed at age 66. Nelda then took up dancing, going to the gym, and spending time with her family. She was known at the gym for her great cookies.

She was the greatest Mom. She would take a week off each summer to take her children wherever they wanted to go. They always went to a Giants game and to the beach. She would always be there to help with homework. When tackling Spanish, she tried to pronounce words to help. She also tried to play tennis.

Nelda was a super grandmother. She would take her grandchildren to the park with kitchen utensils as sand toys. She would take them shopping for new outfits or toys, and she would spend time with them and letting them paint things in her house. She also made their favorite meals whenever they were hungry. Her burnt grilled cheese was delicious. Her grandchildren continued to spend time with her as they got older sharing their problems, fears, and hopes with her.

Nelda was the best aunt to her nieces and nephews and their children. She loved them all and spending time with them was a big part of her life.

Nelda loved animals. She adopted a rescue dog, Daisy, who was a great companion. Daisy was always wanting her to throw a ball or to sit on her lap. Daisy loved to see the great grandchildren and wanted to kiss their faces. Nelda had Daisy for 15 years.

Nelda had a friend, companion, and caregiver for the past two years as her dementia worsened. Leslee, we can never thank you for your compassion, patience, and care.

Nelda was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She leaves behind her stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who all brought great joy to her life.

A Celebration of Life honoring Nelda will be held on her birthday, April 25, 2026. Details to follow.