Kathy Brown

1944 - 2021

Kathy Brown died peacefully at home on March 24, 2021, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Kathy was born on Nov. 1, 1944, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Gertrude and Ralph Mahnke. Her father was stationed in Alexandria for pilot school. When Ralph was deployed to Germany as a pilot of the B-17, Kathy and her mother moved to Watsonville, California. In 1957 the family moved to Atwater, California where Ralph was working at Castle Air Force Base. This is where Kathy met the love of her life and future husband, Paul Brown, who was also stationed at the Castle Base. They were married April 16, 1962. Their son John was born on Dec. 21, 1962, and son Michael was born Dec. 19, 1963. In June of 1964 Paul was discharged and the family moved to Long Island, New York. Kathy was involved in a myriad of community activities. She volunteered at the children's school and worked with the PTA. She volunteered for the local fire department as a member of the Women's Auxiliary. She was a member of Rebekah's Lodge and was a Noble Grand in Port Jefferson. Kathy and Paul moved to Vernon in 1971 when Paul was appointed to the Hartford Fire department. The family joined St. John's Episcopal Church in 1972. Kathy served so many fellowships and faith in action projects at St. John's. She was the President of the ECW, a Sunday school teacher, a helper at the St. John's Senior Luncheon, a participant in Bible Study and the charity fashion shows, as well as many other activities and dances. Kathy was attending church every Sunday until the pandemic closed the sanctuary. Kathy worked part time so that she could be home for her boys after school. She worked at the Betty Crocker Pie Shop, Red Lobster, and H&R Block. Kathy was an expert deliverer of customer service. Kathy and Paul experienced a devastating and tragic loss when their son John was killed in a car accident the very same day he was to graduate from high school, June 22, 1981.

Kathy's son Michael married Kathryn Wroniak on Jan. 1, 1997. They each had three children from previous marriages. Together they have six children, Mary-Beth, Caitlin, John, Melissa, Amy, and Emily; and nine grandchildren, McKenzie, Dominick, Sabreena, Sophia, Isabella, Alexander, Alana, Cayden, and Nolan. Kathy is also survived by her sister, Patty Mahnke.

Paul and Kathy were married for 58 years. Kathy enjoyed walking outside, working in her garden, and mowing the lawn. Kathy always looked forward to family gatherings and loved to host dinners and parties. She was a great hostess and so enjoyed waiting on people. Kathy was always available to her grandchildren, dropping anything to run her fabulous Grandma's Taxi service. Kathy also enjoyed traveling to visit family in California and cousin Barbara in Florida in the month of February. Paul and Kathy traveled to the Caribbean, the UK, and took several cruises together. Kathy was a deeply faithful and optimistic person. Every glass was half full and she never was anything but positive and hopeful. Her faith in Jesus never faltered nor failed, even when facing the cruelty of Primary Progressive Aphasia and the cognitive damage it did to Kathy.

Kathy's family thanks the Vernon Visiting Nurses of Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Thank you also to Kathy's personal aides, Chris Emery and A.K., who took such gentle and wonderful care of Kathy's every need. Thank you also to the Rev. Virginia Army for her love and guidance.

In lieu of flowers. please make a donation to St. John's Episcopal Church in Kathy's memory. Donations may be sent to St. John's Episcopal Church, 523 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066.

Burial services will be held privately for the family.

For online condolences, please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com