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Brenda Lisbeth Brown, 79, of Cherry Hills Village, Colo., passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2024, with her daughters by her side.
Brenda was born in Storm Lake to Dr. Russell William Brown and Jean Lucille Brown Dec. 26, 1944. Accompanied by her younger sister, she spent many childhood days on the lake swimming, ice skating and sailing on the Brenda Leigh. Occasionally joining her father on veterinary calls in Northwest Iowa, she was no stranger to flushing pheasants when the opportunity arose. Taking the train to northern Minnesota to attend Camp Lake Hubert for the full summer season brought Brenda many of her most cherished childhood memories and enduring friendships. She graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1963, and the University of Kansas with a bachelor of science in education in 1972.
Brenda began student teaching in Lawrence, Kan., and later taught in the Remington, El Dorado and Wichita school districts. A lifelong educator and learner, she impacted countless students during her 30-year career. In 1969, Brenda married Charles Alan Joseph and had three daughters: Jennifer, Marjo and Emily. She balanced motherhood and teaching, and was no stranger to her daughters’ tennis tournaments, showing up with packed coolers of provisions for all to enjoy. Her greatest joys were her eight grandchildren, dropping everything to support and enrich their lives, teaching many of life’s most valuable lessons.
“Grammy B” as she was known to her adoring grandchildren and friends, was an avid reader and sports fan, specifically the Kansas Jayhawks — Rock Chalk! She enjoyed needlepointing, knitting countless Afghan blankets for her grandchildren and friends, traveling to Maui and yearly Canadian fishing trips with friends.
She leaves behind three daughters: Jennifer (Scott) Johnson; Marjo (Matt) Grabowski; and Emily (Ryan) McGee; eight grandchildren: Jane, Caroline and Waitman Johnson; Grace, Lucy and Charlie Grabowski; Waverly and Jack McGee; a sister, Leigh (Ron) Briggs; and beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Russell W. Brown and Jean Lucille Brown; and her beautiful great-niece Tessa Leigh LaBellarte.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers who cared for Brenda through the last few years, especially The Belleview nursing staff. Stories and memories about how Brenda’s life positively impacted yours are welcomed.
A private celebration of life honoring Brenda will be held later this fall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift direct online or by check to either of the following:
Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1308, Lake Hubert, MN 56459. To give online, visit https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1107541-khUxP4aEdr
University of Kansas Endowment KU Endowment Memorials, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044. To give online, visit www.kuendowment.org/memorials
