Jean Isabella Owens Brown

SANDPOINT, Idaho — Jean Isabella Owens Brown passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, at her Westwood home in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren at the time of her death, just as she was during her life.

The Rosary was said October 30, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sandpoint. Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 31, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with Father Dennis C. Day officiating and Father Carlos Perez and Father T.J. O'Donovan concelebrating. Burial followed at Pinecrest Cemetery.

Jean was born Jan. 28, 1920, in Kansas City, Mo., to Dr. Michael J. and Helen Graham Owens. She grew up and attended Catholic schools in Kansas City. After graduating from Notre Dame de Sion, she went on to Marymount College in Tarrytown, N.Y., where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Jean married the love of her life, James Michael Brown, Jr. on Oct. 25, 1941, in Kansas City. The couple lived in Sandpoint, where Jim had founded The Pack River Lumber Co. and they helped establish Schweitzer Basin Ski Area in 1963. Jean was very active in the community, while supporting her husband and raising her four daughters.

Those who knew Jean well remember her as an extremely intelligent woman with a love for travel, as well as a compassionate friend to the community. She quietly provided many college scholarships, assisted individuals who wished to attend nursing school, and provided funding for many people in need of braces. In addition, she provided support for countless other local causes ranging from arts organizations such as The Festival at Sandpoint, to supporting education and providing school playground equipment over the more than six decades she called Sandpoint home.

She enjoyed entertaining friends and family, all of whom considered her an incredible cook, and she maintained a sharp awareness of world events, always making time to read and keep up with the latest news. Many relied on her "clipping service." Her 1940 college yearbook described her this way: "Jean takes life in its stride, never faltering, never halting. On and on she goes towards the perfection, which is her goal, steadfast, discriminating and methodic. Her keen brain, good judgment, and happy sense of savoir faire, place her in an enviable position, scholastically and socially. Work and fun blend happily in her well-planned day. Jean's dark flashing eyes reflect her enthusiastic outlook."

Jean was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where she taught Catechism for years, and she was always an advocate for Jesuit Education. Jean had an unshakable, strong faith, which sustained her throughout her life.

She is survived by her four daughters, Barbara Jean (Bobbie) Brown Huguenin of Sandpoint, Jacqueline (Jens) Gran of Polson, Josephine Bopp (Dana Martin) of Sandpoint, and Patti (Brent) Powell of St. Ignatius; a beloved nephew, Michael (Mary Pat) Owens of Kansas City, Mo.; 14 grandchildren, Daniele (Carlo Pati) Huguenin, Joelle (John) Traynor, Nicole (Louis) Dash, Suzanne Jean Huguenin, Gabrielle (Mohammed Mouttaqi) Huguenin, Jean-Pierre Huguenin, Megan Gran and Andrew Gran, Reece Bailey and Riley Bailey, Will Powell, James (Lori) Bopp, Nicolaus Bopp and Joseph Bopp; six great grandchildren; Dario Pati, Julia Traynor, Jean-Luc Albertson and Madeleine Albertson, Leila Mouttaqi Huguenin, and James Michael (Jaime) Bopp.

Also surviving her are many special nieces, nephews and grandnieces and nephews and their families who were dear to her heart.

She is also survived by Pierre Huguenin and Buddy Bopp, and devoted caregivers and friends, Betty Turner and Mary Ann Healey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim Brown in 1989, and brother Dr. Graham Owens.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church's Building Fund or the charity of your choice.

Lakeview Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Please visit Jean's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her online guest book.