Kathleen "Kay" Jensen Brown

July 4, 1925 ~ February 11, 2021

Service:

Feb. 20, 2021
11:00 AM
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    • Kathleen Jensen Brown passed away on February 11, 2021. Kathleen was born on July 4, 1925 to Hans Christian Jensen and Eunice Greenwood in Union, Utah. She grew up in East Midvale during the depression years, when her parents couldn’t afford to buy a Christmas tree for 25 cents, yet Kay and her sisters woke up in awe to a homemade, two-story doll house with matchsticks for bannisters.

    She met Ray Brown at Jordan High and dated until Ray left for WWII basic training. They decided to get married on Ray’s furlough and had three frantic days to plan a reception, send out invitations, and find a wedding dress. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple and Ray was deployed to Europe. They didn’t see each other for almost two years. Kay kept busy with college and working for Jensen Brothers Construction. Ray returned home, enrolled in college, and four children soon followed. They settled in Midvale Utah, where they served in many church callings and made friends that lasted a lifetime.

    Kay graduated from the University of Utah and became a teacher in the Jordan School District when her youngest child started school. She taught school for 23 years.

    Ray and Kay moved to Sandy in 1975, where they turned a stony lot into a verdant garden. They square danced, enjoyed trips, honed talents, and served family and neighbors.

    An avid learner, Kay took her inheritance and bought a set of the Great Books, hoping to study and learn from them. An artist with words and with paint, her beautiful watercolors enhance the homes of her children and grandchildren.

    Kay loved her posterity. All of them have special memories of her individual attention, delicious family dinners and magical Christmas Eves with a fire blazing, scented candles and exquisite decorations. She gave thoughtful presents, often the result of individual shopping trips with each child. Even on camping or fishing trips or jaunts to Lake Powell, she managed to provide gourmet food.

    She endured to the end with a sense of humor and a determination to not complain. At the age of 95, she told her daughter, “Since I am going to live forever, maybe I better buy some new clothes!”

    Several years before she died, she generously gave her grandchildren the money she had saved up for redecorating her house, and more importantly - a beautifully written copy of her strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Kathleen is survived by children Byron (Jennifer), Valerie (Doug) Dyreng, and Paul (Michelle); 18 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. Her husband Ray and son Randall preceded her in death.

    A service for immediate family will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2021. To join the services online, please click on the blue "Watch Zoom Service" box to the right of Kay's picture. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens.

    The services were recorded and can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/dxvonWR-sVuHkf8on71ecHvjCuQfgABelOfPHW_fMX64A4jCKsf1iYMSg7-xwIWK.fkIXRH0DJPSoBZHS?startTime=1613844263000

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    Dear Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Aunt Kay was always such a happy, cheerful person. I loved going to family reunions and seeing and visiting with Aunt Kay and Uncle Ray. They were the "light" at the party always so happy and friendly and visiting with everyone. Aunt Kay had such a fun sense of humor. My love goes out to all of you.

    - Carol Stilson
    Dear Family, May you be comforted with the passing of your dear mother. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom and your family. Even through her trials and struggles with her health she was always positive and happy. She is out of her struggles and is with your Dad and Randy. What a reunion they are having! I cherish the many times I was able to spend with your mom. Love you all, Aunt Deanie

    - Dean Dastrup
    lDear Brown Family, Just seeing this lovely photo of Aunt Kay brings back so many special memories of both her and of Ray. I was always treated with love and respect. When I was nine years old, my Grandfather Murdock passed away. He and I were so close and I wanted to go to his funeral and be a part of everything. My parents did not want me to see Grandpa because they wanted me to remember him the way he was, lively and jovial. Well, my parents trusted Ray and Kay so much that they asked them if they would be willing to take a very upset child and keep me during all of the proceedings and as I recall even into the next day. I was definitely not happy but Ray and Kay were so kind and loving that I soon became comforted and peace came over me. Richard and I had the honor to visit Aunt Kay this past year and she was very gracious to us and made us feel welcome. I wish the best for your family and hope you find joy and peace in the fact that your parents are together and that they have passed their mortal existence and gone to a happier state. I love your family. Love, Linda

    - Linda Brown Burns
    Since learning of Kay's passing, my mind has been flooded with wonderful memories of her, and the true friendship between our families. Much has been deservedly said about her gifted artistic talent. I vividly remember a personalized Christmas Card that she drew of the view our our home from the perspective of your home, with the title "Merry Christmas From Our House to Yours". I wish I had kept that card. Thoughts of our parents playing cards, Kay's patience with the sometimes unruly antics that Byron and I concocted, the family vacations we took together, and experience after experience. We are blessed to have been associated with Ray and Kay, and our family's lasting ties.

    - David & Julie Seal
    Our association with Kay began when Mitch was in 2nd grade and Kay was his teacher! We were later neighbors for many years. Kay is witty and smart and full of wisdom. As a young mother she inspired me in many ways. She always lifted people with her insight and compassion and humor. When Kay spoke you wanted to listen! Kay and Ray were contributors and blessed the lives of many. We have so much respect and love for both of them. Our sympathy to all of her family.

    - Kim and Mitch Olsen
    My beautiful friend, Kay. I have missed you. We spent several years as team teaching partners and loved every minute if it. We shared the drive to and from school, so we had much time to learn about each other. Kay was kind, talented and a wonderful teacher. I lost track of her whereabouts, but never forgot her. I’m so sorry I couldn’t have spent time with her during our retirement years. We would have had so much to talk and laugh about. There’s a special place in heaven where Ray and Randy are waiting for her. They will meet her with open arms. I send love to the family she adored, as I shed tears for your loss and mine as well.

    - Nanette Noble
    Dear Family of Kay...Byron & Jennifer, Valerie & Doug, Paul & Michelle, Sending my love and remembering you in my prayers. I appreciated and loved your parents...your dad helped me get my first teaching job and your mom helped me as I started teaching. Your mom was especially sweet and kind to me at family gatherings...always interested in what I was doing. I'm happy that your parents are together again. Grateful for the Gospel Plan and to know that we can be with our families forever. I wish you all the best as you move forward...miss seeing you at reunions. Love, Sue Brown

    - Sue Brown
    Kay was such a delightful person. Her sense of humor was spot on and often she surprised me with her insight into a situation. She was the most patient person I've ever known. She and my mother (Kathryn Romans) were such good friends, and I loved getting to know Kay. Some of my favorite memories are the times she came to my house for lunches and we would laugh and talk and just enjoy being away from Legacy. I count myself lucky to have known her. Phyllis Rosen

    - Phyllis Rosen
    I love Aunt Kay! I’m happy because I know that she’s happy. She’s finally with Ray and everyone. I’m going to miss her sass and sense of humor. Im going to miss visiting her when I’m in Utah.

    - Kristin Lester
    I am so sorry. I love Aunt Kay she will surely be missed, but look at the incredible reunion she is having with her sweet husband, son and so many other loved ones. Sure love the Brown family❤️

    - Debbie Behle
    I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and may God continue too bless your family until you meet again.

    - Paul L. Sharp