Lillian Burkland Brown

Lillian Burkland Brown

Lillian Burkland Brown passed away at 102 years of age on February 18, 2011. She was born in Mount Vernon, Washington on October 23, 1908, one of four children born to Gus and Minnie Burkland. She graduated from The University of Puget Sound in 1929 with a degree in Education. Following graduation she taught school in Stanwood, Washington.
She married Dr. Ralph C. Brown on June 23, 1934 following his graduation from Medical School. They moved to Olympia in 1935 and later built a family home at the end of Johnson Point.
Lillian was very involved in community affairs. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, a founding member of the Women's Auxiliary to Saint Peter's Hospital and involved in the Olympia Orthopedic Guild.
Education was always an important part of Lillian's life. She volunteered at South Bay Elementary School and was active and supportive during the formation of the North Thurston School District. She also was on the committee that brought The Evergreen State College to Olympia.
Lillian enjoyed high school sports, and did a lot of sewing, knitting, weaving and quilting. Her family always loved her wild blackberry pies and home made bread. She was very active in 4-H as a leader for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Ralph C. Brown, and her brothers, Henry, Arthur, and Edwin Burkland. Members of her immediate family include; two sons Drs. John and George Brown, two daughters, Dr. Mary Brown (Brown) and Elizabeth Abel, sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Olympia on April 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. The family suggest donations be made to the First Baptist Church, the Ralph C. Brown Scholarship at North Thurston, or the North Thurston Education Foundation.