Friday, April 26, 2024
Jean Brown, age 90, was born in Wenatchee, Washington to John Hale Coons and Edith Erickson Coons. They lived in Leavenworth, WA., until Jean was 10 years old, at which time she moved to Seattle, to live with her aunt Lillian. This move followed the unfortunate death of her mother to Leukemia and her father’s Army deployment to Europe at the onset of World War II. Jean graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle in 1949.
Following her graduation, she moved to Richland, WA. to work and live closer to her father. After two years, she relocated back to Seattle, where she met Gary Clair Brown. She and Gary married on February 28, 1953, in San Diego, CA., where Gary was stationed in the Navy during the Korean War. Following Gary’s discharge from the Navy, they made their home in Seattle. During her working years, Jean spent most of that time in the Savings and Loan industry. Jean and Gary had their first of two children, Debra, in 1954 and their second, Gary John, in 1963.
Gary, Jean, and Debra moved to the Northern California East Bay Area in 1959 when Gary and his business associate decided to begin selling insurance in California. Jean and Gary loved the weather in California and were very happy to have relocated there from Seattle. They and their family spent many wonderful years in the communities of Lafayette and Moraga before she and Gary moved back to Washington (Leavenworth) for their retirement years and to build their dream home on the Leavenworth Golf Course. Jean had many interests and passions throughout her long life. One of those passions began when she started playing golf in her late thirties. She spent decades enjoying playing the game with her husband, son, and many friends.
Jean and Gary traveled to Spain, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Myrtle Beach, Augusta, Arizona, Utah, San Diego, as well as to many other areas throughout California to play golf and enjoy touring the areas of each destination. Another passion Jean had was alpine skiing, which she took up as a young girl while living in Leavenworth. Jean always had a fondness for learning and trying new things. She took several community classes throughout the years that included cooking, painting, flower arranging, knitting, and dancing. Jean also loved time spent reading, gardening, traveling, and watching many different sporting events on TV. She especially enjoyed watching University of Washington football and basketball games, San Francisco Giants baseball and 49er football games, as well as all PGA golf tournaments.
Jean was an avid volunteer for many years during her adult life, most notably for Campolindo High School when her son, Gary, was a student there. She also devoted much time volunteering at the Leavenworth Library, the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, the Leavenworth Community Cupboard and for the Leavenworth Methodist Church.
Jean will always be remembered as a dedicated wife and mother, as well as a good friend to many. Her upbeat and positive attitude always left you with a smile on your face. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Gary. She is survived by her daughter Debra Gregori, her son Gary John Brown (Ruth), grandsons Bryan Gregori (Kaylie), Christopher Brown, and Ryan Brown, and great-granddaughter Hazel Gregori.
At Jean’s request there will be no service. Private Inurnment will be at the Mt. View Cemetery in Leavenworth, WA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.
