Katharine A. (Kathy) Brown died on January 12, 2019 in the comfort of her own home. She was surrounded by her family, friends, and beloved cats during the last days of her life.
Born Katharine Anthon Wood on October 14, 1931, in Cooperstown, NY to Daniel and Katharine Wood, she was the first of two children. She grew up not far from Cooperstown, which was home to her maternal family since the early 1800’s. The Episcopal church was a dominant presence in her life as her father, uncles, grandfather, and husband were all priests and her father-in-law was a bishop. In addition to priests, her lineage includes physicians, diplomats, and patriots dating back to the early days of this country’s existence.
Katharine graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. After graduation, she lived in MA and PA while her husband attended college and seminary. She had three children (Ray Jr., Tim, Kathy) before moving with her family to Whitefish, MT where her fourth child (Lura) was born. The family moved to Helena when her husband became Dean of St. Peter’s Cathedral. During this time, Katharine was a loving stay-at-home mom teaching her children the importance of family.
She started her career as a reference librarian for the Montana State Library the day her youngest daughter started kindergarten. Katharine loved being a librarian as she was constantly learning which helped to fulfill her insatiable curiosity. She met many good friends during this time and hiked, camped, floated rivers, and traveled with them both here and abroad.
Known for her million dollar smile, intelligence, humor, wit, and kindness, she was also known for her independence, generosity, and forgiveness. Her influence is remembered by friends and family with these words: Adventurous. Outdoor enthusiast. Vibrant. Hilarious. Star-gazing. Books. Words. Reading. Walking sticks. Good friend. Family matriarch. Wine. Happy hour. Generous. Big smile. Kind hearted. Animal lover. Class act. Genuine. Leader by example. Non-judgmental. Grace.
She loved the outdoor lifestyle enjoying a cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake, backpacking trips, river trips, bird-watching, and exploring state and national parks with family and friends. Whenever asked if she wanted to go somewhere, her instant reply was, “I’m packed.” She frequently hiked Mount Helena and loved to hike Glacier, Yellowstone, the Tetons, the Beartooth Plateau, and many other places, local and afar. Her adventurous spirit was infectious.
She loved opera, the 1812 Overture, Beethoven’s 9th, Johnny Cash, and Pete Seeger.
Survivors include her children Ray Jr. (Sue), Tim (Val), and Lura, her grandchildren Erinn, Dustin, Jake (Kayla), and Nikhia (Victor), as well as four great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her friend and former husband Ray Sr. (Joyce) and their children Nick (Lindsay) and Sam whom Katharine very much considered family. Additional survivors include her brother Daniel (Nikki) in Philadelphia and his family. She was preceded in death by her daughter Katharine (Kathy) E. Brown, her parents, the Rev. Daniel S. and Katharine A. Wood, and her in-laws, the Right Rev. Allen W. and Helen Brown.
The family would like to thank the people who have taken care of her throughout these past years including Brenda Thompson, Touchmark caregivers, Jo & LeRoy Gibson of Our House, Dr. Nowak, and Frontier Hospice.
A celebration of her life will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave., January 21st at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Peter’s Cathedral Memorial Garden where she will be placed next to her daughter, Kathy. A Reception will follow the burial in the lower level of the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to organizations that were dear to Katharine’s heart: the Kathy Brown Memorial Fund at St. Peter’s Cathedral as well as those that feed, shelter, and provide heating assistance to those in need, or to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, the Prickly Pear Land Trust, the Montana Wilderness Association, or Frontier Hospice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Katharine.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the service
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the committal
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the service
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the committal
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Wilma Tabaracci says
Lura and family,
I was saddened to hear of Katharine’s passing. I loved visiting with her and admired her fierce independence. Her smile melted my heart. Hugs to all of you.
rose piper says
Lura im was saddened to hear of moms passing. She was a fire cracker fierce and determi ed to do what she wanted and if you didn’t like it get out of her way. My thoughts are with all of you at this time.
John and Sandra Jarvie says
Lura and family
Losing our dear friend Kathy Brown, has left a huge hole in our life. My mind cascades with memories of our travels and adventures together, most of which involved laughter. We loved to do things with her because she was always ready to go, explore, experience. She truly defined the word FRIEND!
Tara says
I am so sorry for the family’s loss. We are all affected by death, no matter what our age is. The Bible tells us that Jehovah God sees our pain and suffering. And soon he will put an end to death for good. He also promises a resurrection of our loved ones. (John 5:28,29). I hope this brings you some comfort during this time of grief.
Lucero says
Faith will help you cope with endurance but we have to build true faith we have to feed it . Having such faith, you will be absolutely sure that all yours hopes and expectations, including God’s promise of a resurrection, will be realized.
Amy Kiffe says
Lura, your family has been a part of my existence for as long as I have memories. I remember your mother’s smile being as wide as the day is long and, in equal measure, beautiful. And I remember her immense kindness. The world is definitely a bit emptier without her in it. Godspeed, Katharine. You certainly deserve eternal peace and rest.
Joan D’Aoust says
I have shared many hours with my friend and neighbor, Kathy. We have hiked, share an ale or two on my front porch, discussed Helena, Montana, and world events, celebrated special moments, and shared the pain of the sudden and shocking deaths of her daughter and my son. Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of her many friends. It is our loss, but a new step in the continuum of the birth, life, and death of Kathy. She is free now and I “see” her spirit soaring.
Gretchen Bird Stenson says
Katharine, a/k/a, ”Big Kathy” was my second mom and, consequently, greatly imprinted on me. Katharine’s grace and forgiving nature set the gold standard in my life. She taught me that there isn’t much a glass of wine, a kitty and a warm Broccoli Buddy can’t fix! She put up with Lura’s and my antics with good humor and never questioned why there was a blanket fort in the dining room or why we were up all night playing a marathon Monopoly game or why a new kitty was suddenly on the scene. She understood our need to have funerals for dead birds found on the road and, as a strong supporter of the arts, she helped fund our quests for penny candy by enduring long backyard “concerts.”
I know I am not alone when I say that her smiling eyes and infectious laugh will be missed terribly! I think what I will miss seeing the most, is the palpable intensity in which she loved.
I pray that we may all feel her presence often as she watches overs us; all knowing and in His loving arms; cradling her fur babies, her family and friends, most especially “Little Kathy.”
Dundee Warden says
Dearest Brown Famiy,
my prayers and my thoughts are with you. Katharine’s smile will always be in my heart…
Love, Dundee
Buzz helfert says
Lura,Tim,Ray and families, I was sorry to here of your mom’s passing. May she rest in peace in God’s arms. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Buzz and Doreen Helfert
Lisa McCarthy says
Lura and family – so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My thought and prayers are with during this difficult time. Lisa McCarthy
Teresa Graham says
Ray, Tim and Lura my heart aches for you for the loss of your beloved mom. Nothing ever prepares us for to see a piece of your very soul leave us. May your loving memories help you through the tough times and be comforted knowing she will be forever in your heart. My love and prayers are with you and your family.
Jane and Doug says
Lura, and the rest of Katharine’s family,
Her smile will ever be in my memories, and our frequent and interesting visits in our front yard on upper Holter Street when she would walk by to hike on Mount Helena any time of year. It is so nice she was able to come home with you and her kitties to finish her time in this chapter. She will be missed. Sending love and gentle hugs.
Judith Rexford Scott says
Dear Montana Browns, Reading this wonderful tribute to Katharine brings the warmth in my heart and the smile on my face that she brought me and the rest of us in her life. I have my own limited memories – especially of her visits to Grandma (Edith) Brown’s but I also have in my heart knowing how very special she was to my mother (Eva). Reading this tribute makes it even more clear why that bond existed. Thank you one and all for loving, enjoying and sharing her. “Cousin Judy” Judith
Sheena says
Lura and family, So sad to hear of Kathy’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
The picture of Kathy with her walking stick was so wonderful! Kathy and I shared many hiking trips in Glacier and always joked how someday we would be little old ladies with our waking sticks – but still hiking! Kathy Brown was the most amazing person. She was authentic, funny, wonderful, fun, energetic and always willing to help. Her heart was so big. Kathy will always be remembered as a vibrant, remarkable woman with a huge, shining spirit. Sweet rest, my friend and thank you for being you – you brought much joy to this world.
Sheena
Scott St. Clair says
Lura, Ray and family my thoughts are with you. Although I never knew Katharine she sounded like a wonderful lady. May the good memories help thru this difficult time. Scott St. Clair
Bonnie Heidel says
Her smile was a beacon and her life a masterpiece.
Diana says
It seems that there was never a time that I didn’t know Kathy. As much as Kathy was at home in the wilds, she was equally at home on the reference desk of the State Library. She invented joyous service. I can still see her in a skirt and a blouse and her stocking feet as she rounded a corner in the library with a patron in tow and a smile on her face. I learned more from her than anyone else about not only library work but every dimension of life. Her love of the outdoor world was famous, as was her love of family and friends and books and cats and dogs and cooking. I could go on. There is so much more. The world will miss Kathy’s vivacity and beautiful heart and smile and that twinkle in her eye. I am sure she impacted everyone who knew her.
Glenda Bradshaw says
Kathy was a great companion on a river trip. We’ll always think of her when floating downstream. Sorry for your loss.
Belva & Richard Krott says
Ray & Sue and Family
So very sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. It is a difficult time to get thru but we know that she is in a better place. No more suffering. But know that she may not be here physically but she is here in spirit. Get quiet and feel her all around you. Love to all!
Doris copenhaver says
So very sorry. She was a remarkable woman
Florence says
RIP beautiful lady.
Glen J Cuchine says
Kathy’s wonderful smile, peace-filled spirit, and hearty laughter will always resound with me. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Reed Scott says
What a pleasure it has been to have known such a fine person !!!!! Heartfelt condolences to the Brown family.