Merle Kay Brown, age 92, a longtime Sedro-Woolley, Washington resident, passed away May 29, 2023. She was born on January 24, 1931 in Concrete, WA, the daughter of Earl King and Miriam (Spurling) King.
Kay, as she was known, was raised in Birdsview, WA and graduated from Concrete High School in 1949 and from Western Washington State College in 1959. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree. A lifelong teacher, she began her teaching career at Concrete Elementary where she met her eventual husband, Stan Brown. She also taught at Hamilton Elementary and Mary Purcell Elementary, but for most of career she taught 1st and 2nd grades at Lyman Elementary. She was honored with the Sedro-Woolley School District Community Recognition Award in 2011.
After retiring from teaching, she found great joy in traveling with friends sometimes on “senior junkets” following her beloved Seattle Mariners on road trips across the country. She also enjoyed traveling to Europe, including Italy and England. She was a big fan of Willie Nelson, and occasionally attended his concerts. She was also, secretly and surprisingly, a big fan of Richard Pryor. Additionally, she was enthusiastic about Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Supersonics, Tiger Woods-era golf, all SWHS Cub sports, and any and all marching bands.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Amanda Brown; son, Andy Brown; sister Carol (Spurling/Hooper) Perry; sister-in-law, Joan (Brown) Rothausen; nephews, Tommy Hooper and Brad Rothausen; niece, Karen (Rothausen) Fox; grandnephew, Arlo Hooper. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Brown; son, Gregory Brown; surrogate grandson, Kramer Blackwell.
A Celebration of Merle’s life will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, 1-4pm at Eagle Haven Winery, 8233 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Kay sign the online guest register.
Sorry for your loss Amanda and family. I went to school with Kay and she stayed with us sometimes during senior year of high school and we were in the school play together. I made a donation to St. Jude in her memory.
Norma Bianchini (Holyfield)
Always “Mrs. Brown” to me, she was my first grade teacher at Concrete Elementary School her first year of teaching. Most recesses she would sit on the sidelines with me and my first grade friend Valerie Stafford who longed to be home with her mother. Mrs. Brown kept us entertained all year. Over the years, I stayed in touch with Mrs. Brown and visited her Lyman classroom. I last visited with her at a Skagit County Pioneer Picnic. Every visit she was always so warm and welcoming. A few years ago when I realized she still lived in Sedro-Woolley, Valerie and I had good intentions of contacting her for coffee, then COVID delayed that contact and I regret we didn’t get a date of the calendar for that cup of coffee. Mrs. Brown was a treasure, my most memorable teacher.
Kay was so full of joy and her smile brightened everyones day. She was a wonderful lady and will.be missed by all who knew her.
A woman of warmth and welcome. I have always appreciated how she made me feel comfortable and welcome as a new teacher in the SWSD. She was a treasure. It was always a pleasure to see her and do a catch up. I will miss her and remember her with fondness always.
Amanda and Andy, I am sorry for your loss. I pray you both find comfort in the memories you shared with your dear Mom. I am always here for you both.
I’m grateful for the memories I have of your Mom. Mrs. Brown was my first grade teacher and fundamentally my pacesetter in life. Her love for Thanksgiving inspired my love of this Holiday as well. I really don’t remember my life without her in it. She was my youngest sister’s teacher, my Mom’s co-worker, my Mother-in-laws friend, kid sitter for our daughter, Ricci (her and Murphy), our Thanksgiving Community dinner decorator, our sports commentator(she would be watching a game on t.v. and listening to local sports on her radio or watching high school sports in person and listening to a game on the radio. Kay became a friend, a mentor, a role model for myself and many others. As she volunteered at Lyman School I spent time with her there as well while our younger two children attended Lyman.
Another favorite memory were the Willie Nelson concerts Amanda and I attended at the Tyce Ranch with her.
Her devotion to her son, Andy and his music through the years. She was very proud of her kids and spoke it often. Loved to hear how her students were doing in life.
I’m thankful I got to share life through the years with her. Kay was an amazing person and will never be forgotten. I got the chance to thank her a few times in life for instilling the love for Thanksgiving and the meaning that I carry the whole year through.
Rest High Upon that Mountain. I love you and thank you for the memories.
I will never forget all the childhood memories in Birch Bay and other Skagit County get togethers that our families shared.
RIP Kay
Kay, Mrs. Brown to me, was my first grade teacher at Mary Purcell way back when. We were all so proud to have such a cute and young teacher. She was a cheerful, but no nonsense teacher who got me off to a great start in school.
Warm wishes to the family .
Kay…You were one special lady! Always a smile…a kind word…a hug. You were a pillar at Trinity Presbyterian Church, giving your time..support and love for God . I was in awe of your relationship with Kramer…watched him grow with your guidance, as did every child you taught and cared for. Amanda and Andy..your mom’s love for you had no bounds!! My condolences to you both. In love and fondness, Sherrill Proffitt Tyacke
Kay was always a role model for me. Her compassion, energy, problem solving gifts and hard work brought blessings to many. She was the first grade teacher for all three of our kids and got them off to a good start in life. She lived her faith and I am grateful for the 40+ years we shared the same church home. Love and hugs to you all.
Kay You will be missed. You were an amazing woman and a great force in the world. Your legacy will live on in the two awesome kids you raised. God bless and may you rest in peace