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BROWN, DORIS ILLIDGE, 89, died peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2014.
Doris was born October 25, 1924 in Warrington, England where she worked at Woolworth Department Store and met and married the love of her life, Clarence E. Brown in 1945, while stationed there during World War II.
In 1947 she made the journey of her heart and embarked on an 11 day passage to the United States with her first born son. She was an active member in her community and parish of St. Ann's Catholic Church and School, while also working in the lunchroom. In addition to raising her 9 children she worked and catered for DeSales High School. More recently, she spent her time volunteering at the "Little Sisters of the Poor". She was an avid bingo player and loved being involved with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 32 years, Clarence Brown in 1977, her baby daughter, Mary Allison in 1958; siblings, Tommy, Eva, Iris and Peggy Illidge.
She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her, brother, Stanley Illidge (Sheila) and numerous loving relatives across the ocean in England; Her nine children, David Brown (Sharon), Beverly Vincent (Gerry Blair), Ken Brown (Teresa), Steve Brown (Glenda), Chris Brown (Becca), Andrea Bellis (Bill), Mark Brown, Ollie Jones (Don), Mary Recktenwald and her "adopted" daughter, Peggy Grimes; 22 grandchildren, Allison Hogg, Ben, Hattie, Troy, Chad and Josh Brown, Angie Graybill, Amber Zurkuhlen, Andrea Brown, Jessica Hill, Jennifer Farmer, Wes Doak, Krystina and Chelsea Bowles, Jessica, Parrish and West Jones, Natalie Jones, and JaVin Jones, J.T. and Sarah Recktenwald and Nathan Morrison; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives and close friends.
Her celebration of life Mass will be held Tuesday 10 a.m. at her current church, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3509 Taylor Blvd. with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation 5-8 p.m. Sunday and 1-8 p.m. Monday at Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, 7336 Southside Dr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 15 Audubon Plaza Dr. Lou., KY 40217-1318 or Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 3509 Taylor Blvd. Lou., KY 40215.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Andrea.
I want take time to pay tribute to a wonderful lady who lost who her year long battle with cancer on Saturday. Doris Brown ended her journey here on earth only to continue it in heaven with her husband, mother, father, siblings and daughter. She was a very loving mother and probably one of the strongest women I have ever met. She loved life, loved to volunteer and probably catered most all weddings if you were a member of St. Ann's parish. My family was fortunate to have met them early in life as we all went to the same school and lived in the same neighborhood. Our parents were friends, our Dads worked Bingo together while our Mothers played Bingo and then as children we worked the Bingo. She was always on the go…if you didn't come visit her she would get in her car and visit you even at the age of 89.
She had many stories about her childhood in England and how she met her husband there and then came to the United States with her 1st born on the boat. From there she grounded her roots and raised nine of the most beautiful and loving children I have ever met, along with 22 wonderful grandchildren. She and her children opened their hearts and accepted me as part of their family and I thank God everyday for ALL of them.
One of her daughter's (Ollie) has been my best friend since 2nd grade. She is the absolute most caring and kind woman in the entire world-so humble, generous, and giving in every way. She has the largest heart and the widest smile. Mrs. Brown was so proud of her and what a wonderful daughter she was to her mother.
Mrs. Brown had a wonderful life here on earth, and now she leaves many memories for all of us to cherish. She will be truly missed each and everyday.
Phyllis Casper
April 16, 2014
Thanks for opening your heart and home to me. Our heartfelt talks were so much fun. One of my best blessings from God is the time we've shared together.
I LOVE YOU!!!!
Your "Adopted" Daughter, Peggy
April 16, 2014
There's a place within our hearts where we keep our favorite memories, The ones that never fail to make us smile-and out of all the memories of family and friendships, The ones that are most touching to recall are joy-filled, love-filled moments that we share of our mom--those are the dearest memories of all.......Love you Mom with all my heart!!! Bev
April 16, 2014
The Illidge's (Aidan,Brenda,Michael,Harvey&Alban) Burtonwood,England. Our hearts poor out love to all the Brown's & Bellis's at this sad time,we remember the happy & fun times the laughter we've shared with our Dear Aunt Doris,who will be forever in our hearts,the memories we've shared will never,ever be forgotten,your all in our Prayers always,love & God Bless the Illidge's. xxx.
Harvey Illidge
April 16, 2014
The Lord saw that she was getting tired
And a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around her and
Whispered "Come with Me"
With tearful eyes we watched her suffer
And saw her fade away.
Although we couldn't bear to lose her,
We could not bid her stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands laid to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
Author Unknown
I am thankful for the 36 years I had the privilege of having you for my grandmother. We love you and you will always be in our hearts.
Michael and Amber Zurkuhlen
April 16, 2014
I was deeply saddened to hear the loss of Mrs. Brown. I wish for God to give the entire family the strength, to get through this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
Nancy Hasselback
April 14, 2014
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the entire Brown family. My memories of Mrs. Brown are of her laughing and smiling. The fact that she raised so many wonderful children says a lot about her.
Vicki Blair
April 14, 2014
Ollie Jones
April 13, 2014
Ollie Jones
April 13, 2014
Ollie Jones
April 13, 2014
Praying that the light of God shines on your Family. What a wonderful blessing I have received in my life. Sharing time and Love of the entire Brown Family. She will continue to ask God to care for you. Just hope He doesn't win to often in bingo. Thank You All.
Shirley, Billy Meeks
April 13, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to all the Brown family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Mom was a special lady.
Edna and Earl Frederick
April 13, 2014
A few years ago, we met a wonderful lady named Doris who became our daughter, Becca's mother-in-law. We instantly feel in love with this exciting, active, loving woman who accepted her newest addition to the family at the time. We saw her whenever we visited Becca and Chris...usually on Bingo night. What fun! Our love and support to all the family. Though our acquaintance was brief, we will deeply miss Doris.
April 13, 2014
Have known Mrs. Brown and her wonderful family all my life. It has been a privilege to have had her in our life. She will be missed.
Steve and Donna Sanders
April 13, 2014
Bev,Chris,Mark,Ollie,Mary,
So sorry to here about your mother. I always thought she was such a sweet, and sometimes, funny lady. She had such a dignity about her. So sorry for your loss.
Karen Harbin
April 13, 2014
I am so sorry for this loss. Doris was a great lady and had catered many of our family celebrations. She will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.
Leanne Roman
April 13, 2014
So glad I had the privilege to know this woman. She had such a wonderful spirit and raised an awesome family. You will be missed.
Mary Anne Givens
April 13, 2014
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