"Just want you to know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. We all benefited from JoAnn's many years of devotion to the music for St. Cecilia's Church. Thank you for that. May your wonderful memories get you through the hard times. Diana Shonrock"
In loving memory of
Mary "JoAnn" Brown
March 19, 1937 - November 3, 2018
Mary JoAnn Rowe Brown died Saturday, November 3, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. Services will be Thursday, November 8, at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ave., in Ames at 11:00, with visitation an hour prior to the service.
JoAnn was born March 19, 1937, in Williston, North Dakota, the daughter of Harold and Ellen (Ringey) Rowe. She attended elementary and secondary school in Stanley, North Dakota, and graduated from Minot State Teachers College, in 1958 with majors in music and business education. She taught elementary music two years in Grand Forks, North Dakota, (1958-60) and one year in Guthrie Center, Iowa (1960-61). On December 27, 1960, she married Bernard C. Brown in Stanley. They lived in Ames for 58 years.
JoAnn was the music coordinator at Saint Cecilia Church in Ames for 25 years, had a painting and wallpapering business for 10 years, and was a secretary at Iowa State University for 10 years. After retiring from ISU, she taught computer classes for several years in the Osher Lifelong Learning program.
JoAnn's kind heart and quick wit were enjoyed by all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. JoAnn enjoyed sewing and made gorgeous quilts. She loved music, and many will recall her beautiful singing voice. She was a generous and kind woman who volunteered often. One of her favorite areas of service was teaching English to immigrants. Her job at Iowa State often involved helping international students transition to life in Ames.
JoAnn is survived by her husband, Bernard; four children, Greg (Marion) Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sally (Mike) Hamilton of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Karen (Rick) Weires of Dubuque, Iowa, and Mike (Tina) Brown of Southlake, Texas; nine grandchildren, and two step-grandsons. Also surviving are two sisters, Ardis Afseth of Minot, North Dakota, and Debra (Mike) Harvey of Everett, Washington, and one brother, Conrad Rowe, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Rowe, and her sister Betty Simonson.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfunralandcremationcare.com.
Tributes
"Dear Bernie and family - first of all, thank you for asking that I be a Eucharistic minister at Joanne's funeral. I am honored. I took communion to Joanne a couple of weeks ago - no matter her suffering, she had her beautiful smile. That morning we visited, talked about the Stone Brooke craft group and the beautiful 3D quilt on her wall. She told me exactly how she put it together. Joanne was an amazing, creative woman. God bless during these difficult times. Lynn Franco"
"Karen, Rick, and girls... I am so sorry for your loss. Mothers and grandmothers are one of the most precious people in our lives. Take heart in knowing you all have an angel watching over you. My prayers and sympathies. Angie Breitbach"
"Love to my friend Sally, her dad and siblings on the loss of Mrs. Brown. What a beautiful life she lived. I'm sorry I live so far away (although only a few hours from Greg in North Carolina) and am unable to attend the funeral. I will be thinking of all of you as you honor and celebrate her life."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you Bun and family. Will donate to the Arthritis foundation in her memory. Love Carol J. Rowe"
"We want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless to all of you. Diana, Gabrielle, Boone and Jim "