Diane Mildred Brown

Diane was born August 5, 1931, the first of two girls, to Noreen and Elwood Cox of Hemet, California. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression Diane’s family got by with hard work, close relationships with family and friends, and the strong support network in the local Methodist Church. These factors would each play an important role throughout Diane’s life.

Her great love of music was apparent at an early age and included involvement in school, piano accompanist for the church’ Chorister choir, and community events and programs. She excelled in other creative pursuits as well including sewing, handwork, and cooking. In school she was singled out for honors in academic achievement, and she soon made her way into collegiate life.

While in school Diane met the love of her life, Kenneth Brown of Edwardsville, Illinois, and the two were soon married. The two grew into a family of three with the arrival of daughter Paula as Ken expanded his business skills and Diane supported his endeavors, both at home and in the workplace. Devotion to family, church, and community continued to be the central theme of the young Brown family, an approach that continued to grow as a Ken and Diane welcomed a second child, daughter Claudia, and a third child, son Matthew, into the family.

Now established in Orange County as a central location for conducting business and keeping in touch with the extended family, Diane continued her pursuits of supporting church, school, community, and family activities. For a time, the five Browns became six as an overseas exchange student, daughter Irene, joined the family for a one-year program, but in reality it was for a lifetime.

As the children began their adult lives Diane continued to be active in community, church, and the many various family activities throughout the years. Diane and Ken enjoyed travelling to visit family and friends, and even managed to spend a period of time living and working in France, a wonderful and life-changing experience they shared with so many others. Through her love of writing letters Diane was able to tell stories and relate the various experiences she and Ken enjoyed so much to those not able to visit them.

However, the temptations of spending time with grandchildren proved to be a strong motivator to return to Southern California and no doubt was one of the greatest joys for Diane and Ken alike in their lives. Diane redoubled her focus on church, community, and family projects, things that she held close to her for the rest of her life.

In recent years with health considerations a major factor, both Diane and Ken found themselves slowing down, albeit not by choice. In late 2019 Diane lost her beloved Ken to a health battle, and she very much missed him right to the end. After an extended period of declining health Diane joined her beloved husband in peace with Our Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity on November 17, 2022. She is survived by her children, sister, her nephew, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and will be at rest alongside Ken at Fairhaven Memorial Park.