Kathy Brown, 50, of Helena died on Jan. 11, 2012 as she lived — thinking of others. She was trying to keep her truck from rolling into her neighbor’s shop when she was crushed against a telephone pole by an open truck door.
Kathy was born on July 21, 1961 in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. She moved with her family to Whitefish, Montana at age 2 and to Helena at age 5 when her father became the Dean of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Most recently, Kathy operated Kathy’s Café in the Walt Sullivan (Labor and Industry) building and dished up more than delicious food. It was a place to find a warm smile, a sympathetic ear, genuine interest in one’s life, friendly ribbing, perhaps some down-to-earth advice, and credit for those short on cash. State Employees who came to Kathy’s Café found a friend, sister, other mother, and, if need be, mother confessor — just as Blue Cross and Blue Shield employees did when Kathy ran the Blue Cross, Blue Shield cafeteria — and just as rough core-drillers did when Kathy ran the kitchen for a gold exploration crew in Livengood, Alaska. To daughter, Erin, she was simply the best Mom in the world who will be forever loved and missed.
Kathy brought incredible multi-tasking skills and a can-do attitude to all she undertook. She rarely said “no” to a request, and she rarely worried about compensation. She thought nothing of whipping up a tasty meal for 30 people on two hours notice. In addition to her day job, she cooked dinner¬¬s for Wonderful Wednesday gatherings at St. Peter’s Cathedral, cooked meals for the Native American Togendawagen Service every other Saturday evening, and catered numerous special events including many fundraisers for people in need. Kathy’s specialty was fancy deserts, but she mostly loved making the comfort food her customers wanted and needed. She nurtured the bodies and souls of her family, church, and community and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to experience her generous spirit.
After graduating from Capital High School in 1979, Kathy worked as a dispatcher for the Highway Patrol for several years then went to Vermont to obtain a Culinary Arts degree at the New England Culinary Institute. After returning to Montana in the early 90s, she worked as a chef for the Montana Club, St. Peter’s hospital, and various local restaurants before taking on the Blue Cross Blue Shield cafeteria, which she operated for nearly 10 years. She subsequently operated the kitchen for a gold exploration camp in Alaska for three summers and, most recently, Kathy’s Café in the Walt Sullivan building.
Kathy is survived by her daughter, Erinn Schmidt; her mother, Katharine Brown; her father, Raymond Brown and step mother, Joyce Brown all of Helena; by her brother, Raymond Brown Jr. (Susan) of Basin and Raymond Jr.’s daughter, Nikhia; her brother Timothy (Val) and their sons, Dustin and Jacob and grandchildren of Woodland Park, CO.; her sister Lura Brown of Coeur d’ Alene, ID; her brother Nicholas Brown of Pullman, WA: her brother Samuel Brown of Helena; her dogs Buddie and Kodie and her cats Stinker and Beans.
A Requiem Eucharist will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday January 16th at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral on Park Avenue. Placement of her cremated remains will be in the Columbarium Wall at the cathedral. A reception will also be held at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to the Lewis & Clarke Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 511 N. Park Ave., Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Aleisha Solem says
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the loss of Kathy. The world has lost a very special person who will be missed by many.
Barry Anderson says
Ray & Joyce, I am so sorry, and please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. I ask the lord to comfort you both now and in the days to come. Kathy was such a nice young lady, and I know she is at peace with God in heaven.
God bless you,
Barry
Bette and Rich Munger says
Joyce and Ray,we are so sorry for your tragic loss. As parents losing a child, we feel your pain. We didn’t know Kathy, but I’m sure she was a remarkable lady, much like her Dad and Step-Mom.
Our thoughts are with you
Beverly Clark says
Kathy was such a dear person, one in a million. I enjoyed her cooking and will treasure our times at Zumba. She was so full of happiness and you couldn’t help but “catch it” when ever she was around. Heaven will be even brighter with her in it.
Bob and Cathy Morris says
I am so sorry to hear about Kathy. She was a wonderful person, and she will be greatly missed. She was such a wonderful chef, and I will remember all the wonderful meals she cooked at St. Peter’s and Blue Cross. My prayers are with your family.
Brenda Deyerle says
Kathy, You will be missed I will always see your smile and hear your laugh, you were a great friend and wonderful cook.
Bruce & Diane Seiler says
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the Brown family. We loved knowing Kathy and are thankful to have had the opportunity to experience her talent for wonderful food. We are very saddened and will miss her very much.
Diane and Bruce Seiler
Bruce & Diane Seiler says
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the brown family. We loved knowing Kathy and are thankful to have had the opportunity to experience her talent for wonderful food. We are very saddened and will miss her very much.
Diane and Bruce Seiler
Carolyn Fleming says
My deepest sympathy is sent to each of you at this sad time in your family. May the memories of her love of life and persons be of comfort to you all now. Peace and love, Carolyn
Carolyn Fogg says
As a family member, I had the pleasure of seeing Kathy as a little girl, a teenager and a young woman. Having known her thorough the years, I am not surprised at the woman she became. In our family we are fortunate that memories and stories abound and are shared, and often it is these same memories and stories which sustain us in these times. Kathy was a wonderful example of the gift of love, the greatest gift of all. In reading the incredible thoughts of others, hers is a gift which through those whom she has touched, will keep on giving.
Casey Kyler-West says
Kathy was a rare gem. She was genuine and kind. She always had a smile and a kind word. She also had the best desserts! Saying goodbye is hard and finding the right words is never easy. I am proud to have known Kathy for the short time I did. She touched many lives, and I believe she will continue to do so.
Chuck Elliott says
My deepest condolences to Kathy’s family and friends. I will always remember her for her warm meals and warmer smiles. I am keeping Kathy and you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Jezick says
Ray, Joyce and the entire Brown family.
I was saddened reading of Kathy’s passing. She was like a light in the night shining her love to everyone who knew her. I met her at coffee hour after church and enjoyed chatting with her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
God bless all of you.
Chuck Jezick
Constance Enzweiler & Linda Gryczan says
Kathryn,
We were so saddened to read about your daughter’s death in the IR. Our hearts reach out to you.
Craig Sharpe says
The world has lost a selfless, giving, passionate and fun loving person that touched the lives of many; she will be missed by all.
David Harvey says
I am deeply saddened by Kathy’s passing, we went to high school together and I saw her not more than a month ago, as she said hi to me with that beautiful smile. Although we were not close friends she always had a smile and kind word, she will be missed by many. Rest in peace you are with God now.
Denny and Melanie Davis says
Dear Ray and family, what can I say at a time like this. We are so sorry for your loss, and hope you will find comfort in the fact that Kathy has gone home. You have our deepest condolences. Denny and Melanie Davis
Diane Pedersen says
Ray and family,
We were so sorry to learn that Kathy passed away. Our hearts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. God Bless you all
Jeff and Diane (Richter) Pedersen and Helen Richter
Diane Rushford says
Erin, Sam and family: I am so deeply sorry to hear about Kathy. I will miss her every day and miss talking with her. Not only was she a great cook, but she had become a wonderful friend. She will be missed!
Doug Sternberg/Dee Miller says
Dear Friends. We are so saddened at this news. May the peace of the Creator surround you and bless you and comfort your family. Aho
Elizabeth Dingman says
My prayers are with all of you in Montana. What a wonderful community you have in Helena that expresses so much love for my niece. Comments in the paper show what a special person she was. She will be missed by all the family.
florence shaw says
My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy’s family.
Fritz & Angela Behr says
Dear Ray, Sr,/Kathy/Joyce and the entire family: Naturally, we were shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We hope to be at funeral service. Lots of love. Fritz and Angela
Garth Scott says
Brown Family,
My deepest condolence for you. I enjoyed talking to her and Aron a couple weeks ago and was looking forward to a lasting freindship. Her smile was out this world and she will be missed by us all. God Bless
Jeff Drake says
Dear Family and Friends of Kathy,
I doubt any of you will recognize my name, Jeff Drake. But I grew-up in Helena,went to school with Kathy I think from elementary through Capital High. Kathy always had the happiest glow, smile.. I tried, but never could get a date! I am so sorry to just now learn of your loss. While we were never more than school friends, I knew she was someone very special. Most sincerely, Jeff Drake
Joe Munzenrider says
I give you my sympathy and prayers for Kathy’s passing. The sadness must be overwhelming, but I know you will seek and find solace in each other.
– Joe
Julia Vincent says
Kathy is a wonderful person. She prepared many meals for Togendowagan Society. Her absence is a great loss to the community.
Kathie Arlint says
I’m so sorry for you lose. Kathy was a wonderful person and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to know her when she worked for Blue Cross / Blue Shield.
Kim Hamm says
I am so so sorry for your tragic loss.nikhia,victor,Ron and I are very thankful for being able to share pizza with Kathy and Erin this summer when they were on vacation.the depth of Kathy’s life will live on in her lovely daughter.
Lon Phillips says
I first knew Kathy when we were dispatchers at the highway patrol. She was a sweetheart then and got nicer with age.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Lura Provost says
How saddened I am that Kathy had such a tragic accident. Her obit was a beautiful tribute to her life. She will be missed by her community and, especially, by her family. My prayers are with you all. Fondly, Cousin Lura
Lynnette Avery says
Hearing the news about Kathy just broke my heart. This women could brighten anyone’s sole by just smiling. I will always remember how she gave the most wonderful hugs and act like no time has gone by since the last time she saw you. Save me a place at the Lords table. All my prayers go out to all her family members.
Maren Kirkland says
Erin, Ray, Joyce, Sam: I’m so heartbroken over the loss of Kathy. She was a spectacular woman, truly another mother in my eyes and I am a better person because of the encouragement and acceptance she graced me with. The world has been a better place because she was in it and she will always be loved and missed. My thoughts and love are with you.
Love,
Maren
Mark Brown says
Ray, Lura and family,
I was just devastated to hear about Kathy and wanted to let you know I was thinking of all of you and you are in my prayers. I can’t make it to Helena on Monday to be there, but please know I will be praying for everyone.
Mark
Marlene Longfellow says
Ray, I was saddened to learn of this. Rick and I started Wonderful Wednesdays and am glad to see Kathy kept it going. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michaelanne says
Not only was Kathy an exceptional cook, she was a good friend. Coming to her cafe was like being invited into her kitchen at home. She will be missed, for so many reasons – we are so blessed to have known her, & at such a loss without her. May God Bless & comfort your family with memories & love.
Molly Plummer says
Erinn & Brown Family: Kathy was such a delight – her smile could light up an entire room and lift any spirit. Not to mention, oh man, could she make the best carrot cake…truly! My heart goes out to you and you’re in my prayers and thoughts. I consider myself blessed to have known her; I will miss her kind heart and smile.
Morgan Maynard-Dixon says
The Maynard family shares in your sorrow. Take care of yourselves during these troubling times.
Nan Nail says
The world is a little darker without her light. Words cannot express my sadness at her loss but I consider myself lucky to have been her friend. I’ll walk the path of my life a better person for having known her. God be with you all.
Neuhardt Family says
On behalf of Roy & Shirley Neuhardt and Rev. Kerry C. Neuhardt, we express our most heartfelt sorrow at your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; Kathy was an exceptionally warm and wonderful person. All our love to you.
NORMA PIGMAN says
I WORKED WITH KATHY AT THE EAGLES LODGE ON XMAS PARTY’S . A LONG TIME MAYBE 10 YEARS OR SO.. SHE WAS A WONDERFULL PERSON TO TALK TOO.. WE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES IN THE KITCHEN..DOING PARTIES AND JUST TALKING..I WILL MISS HER .. NORMA PIGMAN
Pete & Ellen VanDelinder says
Dear Brown Family – We send our thoughts and prayers to you as you cope with the tragic loss of Kathy. She will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Reed Scott says
The Brown Family is in my prayers, As we are all grieving over our Dear, Sweet Kathy. The Lord has a new Angel and she does’nt even need any training.
Renee Britschgi says
I worked with Kathy for many years at Blue Cross. She will be missed greatly.
Rita Charles says
I’ve been searching for the right words, only there aren’t any. I am so saddened by Kathy’s tragic accident and untimely death. You have our deepest sympathy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Rita and Duke
Sally Speer says
Kathy always had a turkey in the oven and fixings for a genuine sandwich. But most of all she had a listening ear and a warm smile. It is tragic that one so giving and kind has been taken from us.
Sara says
I am so saddened to hear of Kathys passing. She was so loved by all .. a generous soul. As a former BlueCross employee who remembers her infectious smile and as a member of St. Peters Episcopal church-she was family. My prayers are with you.
Scott & Dawn Lockwood says
Kathy was such a bright light in our world. Whether paddling kayaks with us on lakes around Helena, serving a fabulaous Tasco Salad every Weds or helping hundreds of hungy souls at St Peters Cathedral, she made the world a happier place. We miss her profoundly. Peace and love to her family and “extended” family.
Shyla Lefever says
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family, and all who loved Kathy.
Solye Brown says
Montana Browns~
I am so sorry about this awful, horrible tragedy and wish for you and for Kathy that it never happened.
Solye
Stan Snook says
I send my deepest remorse and love to her family. I own The Stove Man. I was the one who 1st discovered Kathleen and called 911. I so wish I could have done more to save her. It was the most helpless feeling I have ever had in my life. While my faith in Christ is strong, and I know she is in a much better place. I still ache with you in your loss. I so wish I could have saved her. But rest assured Christ already has. May we all find peace in this as we deal with this trajic loss.
Sunni Mergenthaler says
Kathy you were such a genuine, nice person. You fed me the whole time I was pregnant!!! I loved talking with you everyday and I will truly miss seeing you. RIP, Sunni Mergenthaler
Susan C. Witte says
Kathy’s passing is heart breaking. I have so many great memories of her. She baked a massive unicorn cake for my daughter’s 6th birthday; she cooked and packed up her trademark meatloaf and mashed potatoes dinners for me on many occasions, laughing and pleased to be asked to create delicious food so appreciated by others. She was a kind, unselfish, fun person. I miss her and treasure my friendship with her.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Ray and Joyce,
How very sorry we are to learn of your tragic loss. Please know that we thinking of you all during this very difficult time, you are certainly in our prayers. Please know that we care and how very sorry we are.
Vera Sickich says
To Kathys family, She was a wonderful person and friend. I cherished every minute I got to spend with her.She was like a daughter to me.She was so loved and will be missed so much.Bless you all.
VIckie Rauser says
My deepest and sincerest condolences to all of you.
I met Kathy way back when she and I taught Sunday School together at St. Peter’s. She brought Nick and Sam along with Erinn and we had some fun classes.
It was so wonderful to reconnect with her last year while I was working in the Walt Sullivan Building for a time. What a blessing to have seen her again on Wednesday, 1/10, at her cafe while Erinn was there helping and to experience once again her cheerful greeting and sincere, “How are you?”
You are in my prayers. May God comfort you in the shelter of His arms and bring you peace.