Frances Brown

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA
Born on Jun 7, 1937
Departed on May 13, 2021

Memorial

Frances Marie Brown passed away on Thursday, May 13th, 2021 at the age of 83. A public visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 28th, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

The use of facial coverings is strongly encouraged.  

Fran was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 7th, 1937, to Martha and George Chaloupka.  She graduated from Wilson High School and went on to study at Coe College where she graduated with a degree in music and was affiliated with Chi Omega Sorority. Fran met Robert (Bob) Brown at Coe and they were married on December 27th, 1959 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. With the exception of Bob’s time in the Air Force, the couple resided, worked, and raised their family in Cedar Rapids.  Fran’s joy was found in her family – especially with her grandchildren whom she adored, cared for, and encouraged.

Music was always important in Fran’s life.  As a young person, she played both the accordion and piano for numerous public events.  Fran appeared with her accordion regularly on KCRI-radio and television programs.  She was invited to play on Ted Mack’s Original Amateur hour national TV show in New York City. Later in Cedar Rapids, she taught music in the Cedar Rapids school system and was the organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church for many years.  She played at services for Cedar Memorial and for countless weddings over the years. She was a member of Kiwanis and played piano at their meetings and participated in their activities. Fran was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon.  Most recently, Fran resided at Cottage Grove Place where she was lovingly cared for by the staff and made numerous friends while enjoying many social activities.   
Fran was preceded by her husband, Robert DeFord Brown in 2013.

Survived by her son, Robert Lloyd Brown, of Khon Kaen, Thailand; daughter, Susan (Peter) DeJong of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandsons, Eric Robert, and Mitchell Peter DeJong; and a sister, MaryAnn McClain of Arvada, Colorado.  Fran also has numerous cousins and family in and around Ely, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to Coe College.