Kathleen M. Brown (83) of Effingham

Kathleen M. Brown, 83, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.

A private family graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Effingham. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Kathleen was born on September 6, 1939, in Lawrence, MA, the daughter of Raymond and Margaret (Shay) Cummings. She married Donald L. Brown on September 14, 1958, and he preceded her in death on November 16, 2005.

Kathy began her career as a waitress at the 76 Truck Stop – probably her favorite job as she met many good and lifelong friends. She went with her family and friends on vacation to the east coast and Florida with the small 76 ball on the antennae and a magnetic 76 sign on the door of one of many station wagons. It was a comforting feeling knowing that almost every trucker was our friend. Many precious memories were created on these trips.

She worked as a cook for many years at Effingham Terrace, a home for special adults in Effingham. This was another favorite job of hers as she loved being around her coworkers and residents, who were more like close friends.

Sports were always a big part of her life. She was an avid bowler for many years. She and Don went to spring training in Florida nearly annually prior to, and even after, having grandkids. But mostly, she enjoyed watching her family participate in many sports including bowling, baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball.

However, her most important roles, in addition to loving and tolerating her husband, were that of mom, grandma, and great grandma. Babysitting, going to school and sporting events, and bragging about her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were her favorite hobbies and nothing brought her greater happiness.

Kathleen is survived by her children, Chris (Robin) Brown of Effingham and Beth (Mike) Mines of Effingham; grandchildren, Jenny (Jordan) Schmidt, Alex (Mary Liz) Brown, Abby Brown (Jackson Hoang), Amanda Mines, Eric Mines, and Joey Mines (fiancée, Kalei Childress); great-grandchildren, Tessa Schmidt, Vivienne Schmidt, Kayden Mines, and Draven Mines; sister, Patricia Lacourse of Franklin, NY; brother-in-law, Dennis Brown (Lois) of Marietta, GA; and special friend, Rhonda Bezroukoff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; and a daughter in infancy, Teresa.