Kathryn (Kay) Brown
Kathryn (Kay) Elaine Brown, 83, a resident of Seattle, and formerly of Gig Harbor and Milwaukee, Wisc., died from cancer on May 30, 2022, at Aegis Memory Care on Madison, in Seattle. She was surrounded by family and angels.
She was born October 15, 1938, in Tacoma, the daughter of Ken and Helen Clapp. Her father was a federal prison warden, so she moved frequently as a child depending on her father’s assignment.
She married Clayton L. Brown in 1957 who predeceased her in 2016. Clay was a Fisher Controls manufacturers rep which entailed life on the move.
Kay lived her married life in Los Angeles, Denver, Colo., Marshalltown, Iowa; Portola Valley, Calif.; Los Altos, Calif.; and Milwaukee, Wisc. She hosted elegant dinner parties everywhere she lived and cemented many friendships in the process.
She and Clay retired to Gig Harbor where she lived for 25 years. She traveled with Clay to over 100 countries, meeting and maintaining friendships with people near and far.
In California and Wisconsin, she worked as a Director of Data Processing at O’Connor Hospital and Children’s Hospital, respectively. Like a good first mate, she joined Clay on his powerboat Dancing Bear on Lake Michigan, and then later Puget Sound. She was a member of Milwaukee Yacht Club, Gig Harbor Yacht Club and Canterwood Golf & Country Club.
Kay was a serious 49ers fan, Green Bay Packers fan and then showed co-allegiance to the Seattle Seahawks. She was an avid bridge player, loyal Nordstrom customer, and a true friend to many. She also loved dogs, especially the eight boxers she owned over the years: Duchess, Rondue, Sasha, Joshua, Murphy, Gus, Bella, and Reggie.
Kay had a lifelong, unwavering love for her family. She made a point to attend middle school, high school and college graduations of her grandchildren and supported their educational and athletic endeavors.
She is survived by Lori (Keith) Lester of Milwaukee, Wisc., Kent L. Brown, Milwaukee, and Lisa (Scott) Forsman, Meridien, Idaho. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Lauren (Kyle) Yarberry, Bainbridge Island, Wash.; Stephanie Lester, Bothell, Wash.; Danielle Lester, Arlington, Va.; Alexander Brown, Durham, N.C.; Claire Brown, Milwaukee; Cara (Matt) Rowe, Reno, Nev.; and Lainey (Brady) Blumhorst, Meridien, Idaho. Also survived by four great-grandchildren, Landon and Avery Rowe, and Twain and Scotti Blumhorst. She is survived by her brother, Michael (Kay) Clapp, Kirksville, Mo. and a nephew and niece, Sean Clapp, and Erin Anderson. Her oldest grandchild, Scott F. Forsman, Jr., predeceased her.
The family thanks the wonderful and caring people at Grace’s Care Milwaukee, Aegis Living on Madison, and Fedelta Home Care who took such great care of Kay during her last three years. She was very appreciative and thankful for them every day and made many new friends along the way.
Visitation will be held at Old St. Mary Church, 844 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, on June 30, at 2:30 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 3 pm. Reception to follow.
Internment in Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Wash. next to Clayton L. Brown. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name to Catholic East Elementary School, 2641 N. Murray Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211.