Carmen Brown Obituary
A visitation for Carmen will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd).
Carmen's professional journey was one of remarkable achievement and passion. For 45 years, she served with distinction at Principal Financial Group, beginning in Pension Administration and later becoming an accomplished IT programmer. Her brilliance and innovation led to the development of two programs still in use today - a testament to the lasting impact of her work.
Beyond her career, Carmen's life was rich with joy and adventure. She and her beloved husband of 47 years, Brad, shared a unique and whimsical passion for rock hunting. From palm-sized stones to massive boulders requiring heavy machinery, the couple traveled near and far collecting natural treasures. Their home became a testament to that passion - a stunning rock garden so distinctive that it stands as a local landmark in Ankeny.
Carmen's love for Brad was the kind that others aspired to - deep, steadfast, and full of joy. She was beautiful inside and out, with a radiant smile that never left her face. Friends often said her smile felt like a hug - warm, comforting, and full of light.
A true fighter, Carmen faced cancer with the same determination and grace that defined her entire life. Her strength inspired everyone who knew her, and her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
Carmen is survived by her parents, Lloyd and Sandra Witte of Coralville, IA; her loving husband, Brad Brown of Ankeny, IA; her son, Shannon Brown of Austin, TX; her daughter, Charisse Karpan of Ankeny, IA; her special friends of mention who helped her through her journey, Jane Noble and Kate Doerhoff; and a wide circle of friends who became like family.
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phoebe wiese
February 17, 2026
thank you for sharing carmen's story at home depot your kindness and willingness to help others in her name inspires me -pw
Emerson Castro
December 6, 2025
She fought an incredible fight! She seemed like an absolute light of life. She´s beautiful. Thank you Brad for sharing your memories with you wife with me at Sam´s Club. When I eat a meal, she´ll be with me.
-Emerson Castro
Lupita Davies
August 22, 2025
Carmen brought such warmth and joy to our Principal family. Her presence made every day brighter! My heartfelt condolences to the entire family during this difficult time.
William and Sandra Powell
August 21, 2025
A truly lovely young lady
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Tami Bianchi Nguyen-Phu
August 20, 2025
My memories of Carmen are from 1974 & 1975. What great fun we had during those years. We lost touch over time, but got reconnected much later in life, and she was still the same sweet girl I remember from the 70´s. Same smile and warm heart. It´s hard to believe she was taken from us way too soon. Brad and Carmen made the perfect team, both loving and supportive of one another, we should all be so lucky to find that kind of partnership and loving relationship in this lifetime. I will miss Carmen, but I´m also thankful she´s no longer suffering with the pain she had to endure, and she´s flying high with all those angels watching over us. Sending healing thoughts and big hugs to all!
Trina Bianchi
August 20, 2025
Carmen was the sweetest and a fighter until the very end. I grew up a street away from Carmen and she and Brad became family over the years. She is going to be deeply missed by so many - including her Bianchi family. What Brad and Carmen shared was truly special and inspiring. I know the world would be a much better place with more people like Carmen in it. We are better for knowing Carmen and our time with her was cut way too short. We love you Carmen and we will see you again. xoxo
Jane Scieszinski
August 19, 2025
I worked with Carmen at Principal. What a kind woman she was. The world is a bit less bright now without her. May she rest in peace.
Misty Young
August 19, 2025
I worked with Carmen at Principal. She was always smiling and was great to work with and talk to. My thoughts are with family and friends. It was a blessing to get to work with such a great person.
Lori Means
August 19, 2025
I had the pleasure of working Carmen at Principal for many years. She was a joy to work with and will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss.
Ray Cervetti
August 19, 2025
I first met Carmen as a middle school math student at Neveln junior high in Ankeny. Carmen was so sweet at that age and then remained that way her entire life. One of my fondest memories is when Carmen, Brad, and I would often meet at Main Street Cafe for breakfast. The breakfast was great, but the conversation much greater which was always full of wonderful reminiscing and memories. After breakfast, Carmen would always send me off with her own very special words "We love you, Ray"
And those words were always followed by a hug.
May the peace of the Lord be with you and your family.
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4208 North Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50023
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