Marion Jean Brown

Marion Jean Brown passed away 3 days after her ½ birthday on Jan. 28, 2019 at 100.5 (think George Carlin’s bit on half years!).   Marion was born in Chicago on July 25, 1918 to Edward and Edith Widstrand. She had a younger sister, Dorothy, who preceded her in death. Marion graduated high school early in Feb. 1936. She received a scholarship including tuition, room and board to Cornell College in Iowa. She couldn’t take advantage of it due to her family not being able to pay the transportation costs to the school. Ever afterward, Education and Family were her strongest values. She was proudest of all her offspring receiving their college degrees and becoming contributing members of society. She and husband Bill raised two sons and enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Their years together included much traveling both with and without kids. Her working career involved office manager and bookkeeper duties. She was still balancing her own checkbook as of this past December. She loved reading, opera, reading, playing bridge and golf, and reading and reading and reading.

Her values of education, family, and hard work are being carried on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who survive her. Her sons, Carl and Craig (Judi), have raised loving families and retired after successful careers. Her four grandchildren, Marieka (Jeanne), Cory, Chad (Lisa) and Kyle all completed their degrees and have entered careers that inspire them. Her four great grandchildren, Kaila (13), Harper (12), Liana (9) and Bailey(7), are all lively, independent readers with minds of their own being shaped to become strong, thoughtful citizens. Marion’s legacy continues.

The picture attached to this obituary was taken at the Women’s March in her 100th year January, 2018. In this, her first demonstration, she marched to represent her great granddaughters and to make a statement about the need for equality for all women across the world.

At Marion’s request donations in her honor can be made to the Friends of the Prescott Library. A pre-arranged family gathering out of town at the end of March will serve as her Memorial.