Michelle “Mickey” A. Brown, 71, of Shabbona, IL, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Prairie Crossing Nursing Home. She endured 12 years of living with early on-set Alzheimer’s Disease. Mickey was born on November 18, 1951 in Chicago. Her parents were Raymond and Margaret (White) Brown. She was one of four sisters: Diane, Mickey, Georgia, and RayeAnn. Mickey was raised in Round Lake, IL and graduated high school from Round Lake High School in 1969. She went on to college at Western Illinois University, graduating with an education degree. She started working as a teacher after college, working at schools in Sterling, Mendota, and Chana. Mickey met the love of her life, Jack Brown, and they were married in 1977. Together, they had two children, Phillip and Matthew. Eventually, she was hired by Caron’s of Rochelle, which is where she spent most of her working career. Throughout life, Mickey would waitress at various places, Carson’s and Indian Oaks Country Club being her favorite.
Mickey loved life in general and absolutely adored her sons. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Lee, IL. In her spare time, she enjoyed being in a bowling league, where she was able to spend time with her friends. Mickey was a dog-lover and before she got ill, she could be seen walking her dog, Trixie, around Shabbona. She also loved golfing, where her and Jack spent much time as they were members of Indian Oaks Country Club. She always participated in the annual Pink Ribbon Golf Outing at IOCC. Mickey loved the Chicago Cubs. If she was unable to watch a baseball game on TV, she always had the radio turned on. It seemed her favorite colors were red and blue. Upon full retirement, Jack and Mickey’s plans were to formally retire in Phoenix, AZ. They both loved anywhere there was warm weather and a pool.
Later in life, Mickey became a grandmother. Sadly, she was not given the opportunity to get to know many of her grandchildren due to the disease. Mickey is survived by: her two sons, Phil (Ashley) of Shabbona, IL and Matt (Chrissy) of Seguin, TX; her grandchildren, Cole, Taylor, Norah, and Jocelyn of Seguin, TX, and Camdon, Lincoln, Sawyer, and Oakley of Shabbona, IL; her sisters, Georgia (Gerry) Temmen of Ashton, IL and RayeAnn Kobbeman of Prophetstown, IL; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Glenn and Jill Jones of Van Orin, IL; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special recognition should be given to her girlfriends, Erin, Kim, and Terry. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Diane Frayer; great-niece, Ali Lahman; brother-in-law, Bob Kobbeman; and best friend, Bonnie Conery.
All services will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023. Visitation will be at Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street, in Paw Paw from 12:00-2:00pm, 510 Flagg Street, Paw Paw, IL. The funeral service will be held at Torman Funeral Home immediately following the visitation at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Rochelle, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Torman Funeral Home has assisted with all services, 815-627-3811 www.tormanfuneralhome.com.
I worked with Mickey for many years at Carons. She was a friend and good employee who worked hard. She had a great sense of humor and was well liked. My condolences to her family.
Comment *I am so sorry to all of Mickey’s family, especially Jack and Phillip (Ashley). She was a lovely woman, and I know she will be dearly missed. I was fortunate to get to know her while caring for Trixie’s grooming needs for many years. With love and prayers,
Heather Roozee
A Groomery