Helen Caroline Brown

Helen Caroline Brown July 4, 1933-January 5, 2025  

Helen Caroline Brown, 91, passed away on January 5, 2025. She was a dedicated mother to two sons, raising them as a single parent after her divorce in 1969. Helen was known for her profound faith, often described as the epitome of a Godly woman, whose life was a testament to her devotion to the Lord. Her passing is seen as her receiving her heavenly reward, as described in John 14:2-3: "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am." 

Helen was a hardworking woman her entire life. She graduated from Winlock High School in Western Washington in 1951 and then worked at a local soda shop to save enough money to attend San Jose State University in Northern California. There, she balanced college studies with evening work. She married during her college years but continued working while her husband completed his degree. They bought homes in Artesia, Huntington Beach, and finally Orange, California, where she resided until 2016 when she moved to be closer to her son Steven in Grand Junction, Colorado. 

After her divorce, Helen established "Helen Brown Secretarial Business" in Orange, serving a wide array of clients for 45 years. 

Helen's faith was deeply influenced by her mother, Emily Messal Franz, an immigrant from Prussia who was also a devoted Christian. 

Helen was the last surviving founding member of Salem Lutheran Church in Orange, CA. She was an active participant in Bible Class and took on the role of Sunday School teacher while her sons were young in the 60s and 70s. For over 50 years, Helen dedicated herself to serving coffee after services, a testament to her commitment to her faith community. 

She is survived by her sons, Edward W. (Stacey) Brown of Durango, CO and Steven M.(Karla) Brown of Grand Junction, CO. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Jessalynn (Jos) Diem, William Brown, Nicole (Brandon) Kirk, Casey (Lenny) Brown, Jason (Erica) Brown, Randy Brown, and one great-granddaughter Sagelyn Brown. 

She was predeceased by her sisters Arlene, Evelyn, Dolly, Joanne, and brothers William and Walter (Sonny). 

No memorial contributions are requested in her memory. Services for Helen are scheduled for late Spring at Winlock Cemetery in Winlock, Washington, where her ashes will be laid to rest beside those of her mother.