Noelann Brown

Noelann Nelson Brown passed away October 11, 2020. Noelann was born August 23, 1936 in Mahnomen, MN to Ethel Anna Nelson and George Albin Nelson, and grew up on the family farm near Waubun, MN. This is where she learned about the importance of a loving family and of being in community with others. She graduated from Waubun High School, and attended Hamline University in St. Paul. In 1956 at a mock political convention, she met a like-minded fellow student, Donald Brown, Sr. and they married about six months later. The couple continued to be active in local politics throughout their married life. While raising her family in St. Paul, Noelann worked as a secretary at Macalester College before starting her stuffed toy business, Lemon Bear, out of their home. The business grew quickly, selling beautiful velour animals and toys to specialty boutiques around the country. Noelann sold the business in 1986 and turned her attention to sewing clothes and one of her greatest joys in life, grandparenting. She loved her grandkids: Amelia, Nicholas, Sean, Seth, Aaron, Alison, Eric, and Ellen. She often traveled across the country to spend time with them. In 1987 her husband Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and the couple embarked on a journey of learning about, treating, and supporting others with Parkinson’s. Not long after Don’s death in 1997, Noelann was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the disease and went on to live 23 more years full of life. Brave lady that she was, she moved to Austin, TX in 2005, where she met many wonderful friends through her passion for quilting and through her church, Bethany UMC. Noelann was a fantastic quilter and won several awards for her quilts. She made and donated innumerable baby quilts through Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Through church Noelann volunteered for several years as a Stephen Minister supporting those going through a difficult time, and was a GriefShare group leader, providing guidance and care to those healing after losing a loved one. Noelann was so full of love and shared freely with friends and family. She was known as GGB to her great grandchildren: Albin, Gina, Zoey, Abigail, Hugo, and Yoona. Noelann was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Donald Brown, Sr., and her adopted brother, Bernel "Tuffy" Rees. She is survived by her three children, Donald Brown, Jr. of Capitola, CA, Naomi Scott of Merrifield, MN, and David Brown of Austin, TX, as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. There will be a virtual memorial service on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 1 pm central time. Please email Don at discbrown@yahoo.com for an invite. Memorials should be sent to one of the following: - Breast Cancer Research Foundation: https://www.bcrf.org - Project Linus: https://www.projectlinus.org - Hospice Austin: https://www.hospiceaustin.org

Noelann Brown

August 23, 1936 - October 11, 2020