Ida Jean Brain Brown

Ida Jean Brain Brown passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 23, 2024, six days before her 94th birthday. She was born in Salt Lake City on November 29, 1930, to Elizabeth Van Cott and Fred C. Brain. Her family lived in Salt Lake City until she was 6 years old, when her father’s job took the family to Twin Falls, Idaho. Jeanie had fond memories of her childhood in Idaho.

When she was in 7th grade, the family moved back to Salt Lake City, where she graduated from South High School in 1948. Jeanie made many close friends and they stayed in touch well into their 90s, getting together often. She attended the University of Utah.

When she was a senior in high school, Jeanie met Mark William Brown in a Sunday School class at the Jefferson Ward. Just hours later, she told her cousin, Sally, “I’m going to marry Mark Brown.” And she did. They were wed on August 31, 1950, which began their 71-year marriage.

Jeanie and Mark were the parents of three children, Mark Coleman, Janet Elizabeth, and Paul Frederick. They were sealed with their children in 1971 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Jean was a devoted, loving mother and grandmother. She was an excellent cook, accomplished gardener, and loved entertaining in her home. She also enjoyed sharing the stories of her ancestors with her children, their spouses, grandchildren, and anyone else who would listen.

Before the birth of her first child, Jeanie worked briefly at the phone company, but was offered work in fashion modeling, which began a successful 50-year career. She was sought after for fashion shows, newspaper advertising spreads, and local television features. Later, she taught courses in fashion at LDS Business College. During her long career, she modeled for Auerbach’s, Makoff’s, and ZCMI, and she continued to be in demand well into her sixties. Jeanie did photo shoots featured in Piper Aviation advertising, had her hair done by Vidal Sassoon, and was acquainted with numerous influential people in the fashion industry. Among her many achievements in modeling was a full-page feature in Vogue Magazine. A Salt Lake Tribune columnist recognized Jeanie as one of the best-dressed women in Utah.

Jean was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held several positions over the years, but her favorite calling was as a hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, where she served for nearly 20 years. Jeanie touched the lives of countless visitors from all over the world and developed lasting friendships with other volunteers.

Mark and Jean enjoyed traveling. Favorite destinations included Spain, San Diego, Great Britain, Jackson Hole, several cruises, and Jean’s beloved Colter Bay on Jackson Lake.

When Mark’s health declined, Jean cared for him at home as long as she could, with the kind help of her family members and Ofa, Siu, and Liz. Mark passed away in January 2022. Later, Jeanie moved into Spring Gardens Holladay. Jean flourished in that new phase of her life and was a sought-after meal companion by the other residents.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Mark. She is survived by her children Mark (Susan), Janet (Redd) Smith, and Paul (Sharon). She has seven grandchildren: Audrey Helquist (Paul), Elizabeth Brown, Caroline Smith (Tom Quinn), Mark Smith (Hailee), Grace Brown, Ivy Brown, and Maggie McAllister (Todd). Jean has four great-grandchildren: Joseph Tunno, Amelia Powell, Benjamin Smith, and Simon Smith. She is also survived by Mark’s sister and her husband, Barbara and John Watson, her sister-in-law, Judy (Allen) Brown, and her cousin, Mary Olander.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 30 at 1:00 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation will precede the services from 11:00 to 12:45. You may also watch the service through Zoom using the watch service button above.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the loving staff of Spring Gardens Holladay, and Jamie and the other professionals at Inspiration Home Health and Hospice for their unfailing kindness and care.