Dorothy Jean Brown

Dorothy Jean Brown, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the comfort of her own home.

Dorothy was born February 17, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Glen and Cleo (Zier) Easterday. She married Robert Brown on July 08, 1955 and lived in Cedar Rapids most of her life.

Dorothy was a steadfast advocate for her children and grandchildren throughout her life. She dedicated her career to the health care profession, caring deeply for the residents in nursing homes and always striving to make their lives more comfortable and dignified. She and her husband loved traveling together in their RV, especially to Texas. She delighted in walking along ocean beaches and collecting seashells. A devout animal lover, Dorothy found joy in watching nature programs and sharing her home with her beloved cats, Milo and Tiffany, who will miss her dearly. Dorothy was a remarkable woman who loved with her whole heart. Her family feels profoundly blessed to have had her in their lives and will cherish her memory always.

She is survived by her children, Matthew (Tammy) Brown, Michael Brown, Carie (Stephen) Kramer, and Mark (Jackie) Brown; grandchildren, Kourtni Brown, Shalaine (Antoine Jones) Brown, Joseph (Courtney Bush) Kramer, Colin Brown, Morgan (Toliver Freeman) Brown; siblings, Roberta (Robert) Ward, Robert (Debbie) Michel; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and many special friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Brown; her parents, Glen and Cleo Easterday; grandson, Troy Brown; and her siblings, Evelyn Powers, William Easterday, Herman Michel, and Romona Middleton.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with a memorial mass at 10:00 a.m. A private burial of her urn will take place at Murdoch-Linwood Cemetery in Cedar Rapids next to her husband at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or UnityPoint Hospice. Dorothy’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff of UnityPoint Hospice for the loving care and support they provided to Mom and to our family during her final journey.

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