Carol Anne Brown passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. She was born on December 25th, 1937, a true “Christmas Carol”. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anne Mola Tomlinson. She is survived by her husband Don Brown, daughter Tammie Brown Butler (Jeff), son Tracy Brown (Anna-Lena), sisters Dona Blanchard and Anna Mildren, brother Butch Tomlinson, and grandchildren Duston Butler, Nichlas Brown, and Emma Brown.
Carol was born and raised in Helena, Montana and attended grade and middle school at the Saint Helena School. She graduated from Helena Central High School in 1955. She married Don Brown in Helena on February 22, 1957 where they lived, worked and raised their family until 1991. At that time the couple relocated to Fort Peck, Montana to help manage the Brown Ranch on Shade Creek, the Quarter Circle DB, which was Homesteaded in 1916. Don and Carol were “fast friends” during their 64 years together, thoroughly enjoying each other’s sense of humor while poking fun at each other and engaging in the famous “Brown Banter”. They lived each day with a deep love for one another, and a shared value system of honesty, hard work, integrity, loyalty and commitment to family and friends.
Carol was employed by the State of Montana as a legislative assistant, as a secretary for a local attorney, and with an advertising firm before working as the School Secretary at Rossiter Elementary School in the Helena Valley. She was an original member of the school’s “flag ship” team as the first Secretary and continued for 26 years as a passionate supporter of the students, staff and administration. In 1991, her enthusiasm and dedication were highlighted in a special celebration organized by the teachers called “Carol Brown Day” to publicly acknowledge her contributions. As noted in the Helena Independent Record: “Brown directs traffic and much more. She has been the Secretary at Rossiter School since it opened….typing report cards, taking an occasional temperature, answering a constantly ringing telephone and watching a couple generations of children grow and change”. One of her past students commented “Mrs. Brown was the first face we saw in the morning and she always greeted us with a smile and encouraging words”.
Carol watched for familiar names in the local newspaper, noting the accomplishments and life happenings of “her Rossiter Kids” as she continued to cheer them on through the years.
Carol was a loyal member of Heirloom Quilters Guild and Tuesday’s Child Quilters Group, and she volunteered for numerous community oriented events including Relay for Life. The circle of friends she surrounded herself with were much like the quilts she created with love, color, laughter and warmth.
Carol will be forever remembered for her quick smile, her ability to laugh at herself, her dedication to friends and family, her giggle, and the support and encouragement she offered to all.
Memorial services and celebrations for Carol will be held in Helena and Glasgow during the Fall of 2021, post-Covid. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Carol’s name to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
The family would like to thank the community of Fort Peck, specifically the “Neighborhood Watch” and the Quilters for their prayers and support during the final months of Carol’s illness; as well as the staff at Francis Mahon Deaconess Hospital and the Valley View Home for the care that they provided in her final days.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Monday September 20, 2021
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Reception
3:00 p.m.
Monday September 20, 2021
Fort Peck Hotel
175 S. Missouri Street
Fort Peck, Montana 59223
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday September 24, 2021
1315 Mill Road
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Monday September 20, 2021
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Reception
3:00 p.m.
Monday September 20, 2021
Fort Peck Hotel
175 S. Missouri Street
Fort Peck, Montana 59223
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday September 24, 2021
1315 Mill Road
Helena, Montana
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Lorraine Hughes says
I’m so sorry to hear about Carol’s passing. She was always a favorite patient of mine. I loved all her hilarious stories! I’m sure you have great memories to keep you company now.
Randeen Rath says
What a wonderful lady with so many, many talents. Such a joy to talk too
Isabelle Marie Hood says
Carol was a very sweet and caring women with a big heart. I am glad that I got to know her these last couple of years.
Martha phipps says
Miss carol so sweet and gracious so happy she is with the Lord. Martha
Jeannie Hurley says
Don, Tammy, Tracy and Family,
What a blessing it was to know Carol. I am so sad to hear of her passing. I will be forever grateful for the memories and the friendship that we shared. I can hear her precious giggle and will always remember how happy that made many people feel. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Lauren Murphy says
Don, Tammy, Tracy and family,
In 1976 when I was a brand new teacher at Rossiter Elementary School, it was Carol and Alene Stoner who took me under their wings and made me feel so welcome. They took great care of the new kid on the block not only during the school year but during the summer, too. I am so glad there were no cell phones to take video of Carol and I playing tennis! Really laughing more than playing! She was such a warm and loving person and I have such fond memories of times with her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathi Campbell says
Don, Tammy, Tracy and families, it has been many years since I worked with Carol at Rossiter School, but my memory of the years I spent there will always include her. As a coworker, Rossiter parent and as a friend , she always was the smiling face that made the day. Through her encouragement I finished my own educational degree. Thank you all for sharing her love
scott taylor says
Don and Family….I didn’t really know Carol that well….but the times I was around her. I remember her bubbly personality and laughing a lot…..Her sense of humor blended in so well with yours Don….Gail and I send our love and prayers to you all….My old Shade Creek Buddy!……….Scott and Gail Taylor