January 29, 1933 - May 2, 2024
Noreen Loraine Brown, of Spokane, WA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024, with family by her side. She was 91 years young.
Noreen was born January 29, 1933 in Marcus, WA to Clayton and Nora Peckham. She was the middle of six children. After graduating from North Central High school in 1952, she met Gary Brown. And before anyone else could snatch her up, Gary married that girl on April 23, 1952. Head over heels they were off and running. Gary and Noreen raised three daughters and watched their family grow to 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Noreen touched everyone that she met. She had an infectious personality, and that smile would light up the whole room! She cared deeply for the people around her and made impacts on many lives in so many ways. She loved you no matter if you were family, a long-time friend, a new friend or the cashier at the store. You mattered to her and once you met her, she mattered to you.
Noreen was the biggest supporter of her husband and they had a love that only people can dream about. She started her day with a kiss to him and they ended every night holding hands. She spent countless hours cheering him on during his baseball games (oh wait maybe she was socializing), they danced the nights away, and had many camping adventures with their Fire Department friends. Gary loved spoiling her, even after her hard days’ work while she napped, he made sure the dog and kids were taken care of and had her toddy ready for the 5pm news. They were with each other through it all, and she always knew how much he loved her.
Noreen loved her entire family, but her three girls were her life. There was never a day that went by she didn’t brag about them, even her décor was in three’s representing her three daughters. Her ability to always show you how much you meant, from getting a birthday card (possibly regifted), to sending little jokes, to always making her grandchildren smile when they received that $2 bill was amazing. She always cheered you on, easily forgave and forever loved you. Her door was always open and the wine glasses always full.
Noreen lived life 110% every day. She never missed a beat and always was the life of the party, good thing Gary was the cook! Many of you knew her as the Little Informer. She prided herself on keeping everyone connected from planning school reunions, organizing horse races, and various parties. No event passed without multiple cards games breaking out – cribbage, rummy, hand and foot – the list goes on. You could always find her on Monday’s at Bingo and usually a winner! She was kind hearted but competitive when playing games, and no, there was no “letting” you win no matter your age, but more than anything she loved to teach you how to play games. And if you were so lucky, you also got to meet Miss Tilly or one of her many other characters she performed as.
Her memory lives on in her husband of 72 years, Gary; her 3 daughters – Debra Douglas (Mark), Dicki Thomas (Jim), and DeAnna Wilson (Dick); her grandchildren Travis Hanson (Connie), Angela Brady (Gerry), Kris Campbell (Danielle), Nicole Fromm (Kurt), Amanda Baker (Seth), Alison Kelley (David), Ashely Niehenke (Dan), Mark Douglas (Brianna), Evan Douglas and great grandchildren – Trent Wyman, Connor Brady (Emily), Blayne Baker, Alayna Campbell, Mallory Brady, Dylan Kelley, Cassius Campbell, Cody Kelley, Caden Baker, Natalie Baker, Jack Hanson, Jacob Fromm, Joshua Fromm, Wyatt Niehenke, Mackenzie Niehenke, Addison Niehenke, Oaklynn Douglas, Griffin Douglas, Blakelynn Douglas and so many other family and friends.
Let’s come together and fill the room with laughter, stories and shared love for Noreen, THE life of the party! Please join us on Saturday June 1st from 2-5pm for a celebration of life at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. To express condolences please visits www.legacyfuneral.com
The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff at the Fairwinds and to Horizon Hospice for all the time and care they gave to Noreen. Noreen was so full of life. She will be forever missed.
Until we meet again, Reenie Pooh.