Katherine E. Brown

BROWN, Katherine E.
(Age 93)

"Katie" passed away on March 13, 2011 at her new home in Spokane Valley, Washington. She was born on February 17, 1918 and graduated high school from Lewis and Clark in 1936. After high school, she was employed as an usherette at the old Orpheum Theater where she worked her way up to be secretary of the manager. She was married to Elvin Bleck for 24 years and had two children. Jerry Bleck (Linda) and Janet Barlow (Ted Newell). She later married Forrest Brown to whom she was married to for 25 years and had two stepsons Tom Brown (Terry) and Rich Brown (Betsy).
Katie and Forrest spent the later years of their marriage traveling between their homes in Post Falls, Idaho and Oceanside, California. They eventually settled full time in California until his death in January 1990. Katie spent many years playing the organ for other people's enjoyment starting in 1951. She played at church teas, style shows, weddings, community events as well as 12 years in the lobby of the Old National Bank during the holidays. In addition she provided 11 years of musical entertainment for the patients at the Veteran's Administration Hospital and later served as a Gray Lady in the Spokane County chapter of the American National Red Cross. Most notable were her 12 years of service playing sing-along organ at the Flamingo Restaurant and Lounge. She played entirely by ear by simply listening to the music. She performed 6 nights a week until the summer months at which time she would reduce her evenings of playing so she could enjoy her time with her husband "Brownie" at their home on Hayden Lake. Over the last two decades, Katie worked at Mrs. Fields Cookies for 7 years and then at Cinnabon for the next 5 years until retiring in June of 2010. She was admired and commended for her work ethic and energy level which prompted her to be included in a documentary about high functioning individuals over the age of 90. She is included in a segment of the program which will be aired in April 2011 on PBS. Katie was an avid golfer, artist, and swimmer and was cherished and loved by all those who had the good fortune of knowing her. She continued to travel between California and Spokane each year to spend time with friends and family and enjoy her great-grandchildren's school activities. Katie is survived by six grand- children: Ron Sdao (Rhonda), Lisa Medhi, Andy Bleck (Jessica), Andrew Brown, Eric Brown and Vanessa Brown and five great-grandchildren: Colton Sdao, Carissa Sdao, Laila Medhi, Jackson Bleck and Corinn Bleck. The family wishes to thank Orchard Crest Assisted Living, Home Instead Services & Hospice of Spokane. We appreciate the care and respect that was extended on behalf of our beloved family member and matriarch.