Karen Brown

Karen I. Brown passed away in her sleep at her home in Colburn, Idaho, on Friday, April 10, 2015. Karen was born on Feb. 15, 1933, to Gladys (Dooley) Graves and Harold Graves in Sandpoint, Idaho. She grew up in Kootenai, Idaho, with her sisters, Virginia, Kay and JoAnn. Karen went to school in Kootenai and Sandpoint. She is survived by her eldest son, Edwin A. Brown of Colburn, and her second son, Thomas R. Brown of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She also leaves Tom’s wife, Lori, and their son, Casey; and her other grandchildren, Karlyn Hassler of Coeur d’Alene and Michael Brown of Ponderay, Idaho. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Lester R. Brown; her three sisters, Virginia, Kay and JoAnn; and sadly her youngest son, Robert L. “Bobby” Brown. Our mother never was the same after his tragic death. Her accomplishments, hobbies and interests are too many to list but here are a few. She was a former first lady of Sandpoint as her husband was mayor. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts and she was an avid gardener. Karen also volunteered in the beginning years for Toys for Tots and was involved in many Lions Club beach barbecues. Karen was involved in the antique business and ran the concession stand at Memorial Field for a few seasons. She was the first female salesperson to work at Larson’s Clothing and she worked at Murphy’s in Hope for Mr. Murphy himself. She also worked at the Light House Restaurant in Hope, was a mother to many little dogs needing a home and she loved the animal wildlife in the area. She enjoyed hunting for mushrooms and picking wild berries. These are just a few of her activities. Unfortunately, Karen’s battle with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and her COPD took their toll on her. We would like everyone to know that she is now at peace. A memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. A get-together will be held at the Elks after the service.