In Memory Of
Karen S. Brown
1953
2024
Karen S. Brown
March 28, 1953 — July 25, 2024
Karen S. Brown, 71, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away at home on Thursday, July 25, 2024. She was surrounded by family and loved ones.
Karen was born on March 28, 1953 in Great Bend, Kansas to William and Virginia (Ekstrom) Black. Being the oldest of four siblings, she naturally took on the role of caregiver from a young age. It was a role she would stay in for the rest of her life.
Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend who was always there to offer care to those in need. For 38 years, she dedicated herself to teaching children how to read, finding immense happiness in their achievements. Her nurturing spirit even extended to her beautiful gardens, where she created vibrant and magical spaces. She loved animals, General Hospital and the color yellow.
Family meant everything to her, especially her role as "Ba" to her nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-niece. However, her nearly 49-year marriage to Don held a special place in her heart. They tied the knot in 1975 and were blessed with a daughter and a son, completing their family of four.
In 2007, Karen didn't let her diagnosis of Breast Cancer bring her down. Instead, she took an active role in clinical trials and supporting breast cancer research, which ultimately prolonged her life significantly. Throughout her battle, Karen never gave up. She fought bravely and passionately, until she peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family and her dog, Daisy.
Karen is survived by her husband, Donald Brown; children, Stephanie (Bryan) Cummings and Nicholas Brown; grandchildren Abigail Cummings and Eliza Cummings; sister, Kathleen Black; brother, W. Grant Black; beloved rescue dog, Daisy; many nieces and nephews and a great many considered “family”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Virginia Black; sister, Kimberly Long, fur-babies Cubby, Minnie, Macy and many other cats and dogs that found love and care in Karen.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel. Family will host a reception at Karen and Don’s home after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Karen’s memory be made to either Planned Parenthood or Feeding America .
To leave a message of condolence for Karen's family or to share a special memory of her, please click the “Share Memories” button above.
Karen was born on March 28, 1953 in Great Bend, Kansas to William and Virginia (Ekstrom) Black. Being the oldest of four siblings, she naturally took on the role of caregiver from a young age. It was a role she would stay in for the rest of her life.
Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend who was always there to offer care to those in need. For 38 years, she dedicated herself to teaching children how to read, finding immense happiness in their achievements. Her nurturing spirit even extended to her beautiful gardens, where she created vibrant and magical spaces. She loved animals, General Hospital and the color yellow.
Family meant everything to her, especially her role as "Ba" to her nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-niece. However, her nearly 49-year marriage to Don held a special place in her heart. They tied the knot in 1975 and were blessed with a daughter and a son, completing their family of four.
In 2007, Karen didn't let her diagnosis of Breast Cancer bring her down. Instead, she took an active role in clinical trials and supporting breast cancer research, which ultimately prolonged her life significantly. Throughout her battle, Karen never gave up. She fought bravely and passionately, until she peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family and her dog, Daisy.
Karen is survived by her husband, Donald Brown; children, Stephanie (Bryan) Cummings and Nicholas Brown; grandchildren Abigail Cummings and Eliza Cummings; sister, Kathleen Black; brother, W. Grant Black; beloved rescue dog, Daisy; many nieces and nephews and a great many considered “family”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Virginia Black; sister, Kimberly Long, fur-babies Cubby, Minnie, Macy and many other cats and dogs that found love and care in Karen.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel. Family will host a reception at Karen and Don’s home after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Karen’s memory be made to either Planned Parenthood or Feeding America .
To leave a message of condolence for Karen's family or to share a special memory of her, please click the “Share Memories” button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen S. Brown, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Olathe Chapel
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