Joann Marie Brown

Throughout her 91 years, Joann Marie (Burns) Brown loved the Lord, her family, people, travel and adventure. Her final journey ended on May 8, 2021 when she peacefully went home to Jesus.

Born on October 11, 1929, Joann began her journey in Madison, Wisconsin the third child of Harry C. Burns and Johanna M. Blewett. She grew up during the Great Depression along with her 2 sisters and a brother. Although Joann had rheumatic as a child and spent time in the hospital and recuperating at home, she missed her friends. Joann regretted having skipped a grade because she felt she never adequately learned fractions. She was however, quite skilled at reciting (silly) poetry and singing (silly) songs to the delight of her grandchildren and  great-­‐grandchildren.

After graduating from high school, Joann attended Business College and went to work. In 1948 she was presented with the opportunity to help her Aunt care for her young cousins. Ready for travel and adventure, Joann flew to O’ahu, Hawai’i. It was there she met her future husband, William (Bill) Howard Brown. Bill joined Joann on the Lurline when she set sail for home. After 5 days at sea, their shipboard romance resulted in a proposal. Joann and Bill were married in Wisconsin in January 1950. Accompanied by Bill’s brother Donald and sister-­‐in-­‐law, Florence, they traveled along the east coast eventually journeying cross-­‐country and settling in California.

Joann always wanted to be a mother. What an adventure! She had five children in six years beginning in November 1950 with the birth of a son, William (Billy) Howard Brown, Jr. “Billy” was followed by Naomi (1951), Hank (1952), Marie (1954) and Michael (1956). Joann loved being a mom and cherished being a grandma. Her children and grandchildren were her “jewels”.

She was devoted to her family and a fun-­‐loving stay-­‐at-­‐home mom. She baked cookies and her famous banana bread, tried skateboarding, went fishing, sailing and camping and endured her children’s music lessons on 5 different instruments. She encouraged and counseled her children and their friends as well as nieces and nephews. After her children were grown, Joann got her driver’s license and went to work at Plasidyne Engineering and Manufacturing. She retired at 70 years old. Celebrating her 70th birthday in 1999, Joann and her daughter, Marie, went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome with other members of the congregation.

Accompanying Bill on business trips enabled Joann to visit Chicago and Epcot Center in Florida. Family camping in various national parks, cruising the Caribbean, passing through the Panama Canal and visiting Hawai’i often were some of their various travels. Even getting lost was met with enthusiasm as she often commented, “Oh! We’re having an adventure”!

Friends, relatives, nuns and priests from around the world were warmly welcomed at the Brown house. Neighbors gathered for coffee and parties. Traditions and celebrations were established. No matter what the reason for visiting, love was showered upon all who walked through the doors.

Challenges were met with prayer, faith and determination. Joann regularly attended Mass and prayed often to various saints. If there were special needs, Joann would make a novena. She was active in her church, St. Cyprians, where Joann taught CCD classes and shared her love for crafting with her students.

Joann is preceded in death by her beloved husband William and grandson, Robert. She is survived by her children: William H. Brown, Jr. (Carole); Naomi A. Anderberg (James); Henry C. Brown (Bonnie); Marie N. Hook (Talbort) and Michael J. Brown (Sue); 12 Grandchildren, 31 Great-grandchildren, 3 Great-­‐great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joann’s celebration of life will be held at St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church in Long Beach, California on June 3, 2021 at 10:30 am. (Please remember to wear a face covering.) In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401