From the obituary:
Betty Irene Brownson: August 31, 1929- October 19,2024
Betty Irene Brownson of Aurora, IL and Naples Florida passed away peacefully on October 19,2024 after recently celebrating her 95th birthday. Born on August 31st , in Plattville, IL , the daughter of Frank and Elva Brown. Betty attended Newark High School and went back to school and finished her college degree at National College of Education in 1988.
Betty was married to Donald Brownson December 9, 1950, and were married for 66 years until his death in 2017. Betty and Don honeymooned in Wausau WI to ski for the first time. This was the start of a lifelong love of skiing and has brought two more generations of their family the love to ski. They both loved to travel and visited China, Russia, Israel, Egypt and many countries throughout Europe. She also loved to spend time with friends and family in Naples Florida, Manitowish Waters, WI and Breckenridge and Edwards, CO. Betty and Don started their own wholesale lumber business together in 1953 and later expanded into the retail lumber business in both Illinois and Colorado. They spent over 60 years in the lumber business together.
Music was always an important part of Betty’s life. She sang with the Kendall County Trio and was asked to sing professionally. Instead, Betty enjoyed singing in church choirs, most recently at the two churches where she was a longtime member, New England Congregational Church in Aurora, IL and First United Methodist Church in Naples, Florida. Betty was also an avid reader and bridge player. She enjoyed volunteering with various Church and Charitable groups serving as President of the Aurora Junior Women’s Club, Aurora Children’s Dental Service and Child Welfare Society and was a member of PEO in both Aurora and Naples. Most of all ,she was loved by all! She had the kindest heart and warmest soul. She was always one to be there for her friends and family. Betty was preceded in her death by her parents Frank and Elva Brown and brother Arthur Brown.
Betty is survived by her three children Jon Brownson, Robert Brownson and Susan McVickers ; daughters in law Leona Brownson and Christy Brownson and son in law John McVickers; grandchildren Athena Brownson, Katie Brownson, married to Casey Mullen, Jennifer Brownson ,married to Joe Schlitter, Michael Brownson ,engaged to Celeste Kelley, Patrick McVickers ,married to Megan McVickers, Jack McVickers and Matthew McVickers, married to Sara McVickers: and great grandchildren Reed Mullen, Jasper Mullen and Luke Schlitter.
There will be a small Celebration of Life service at The Holmstad on November 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: New England Congregational Church: online at https://secure.myvanco.com/YM5M/campaign/C-11SG5 or mail a check to 406 West Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL, 60506
OR
CovenantCare Hospice: Mail checks payable to CovenantCare Hospice ,3755 E. Main St., Suite 165, St. Charles, IL 60174 or online at – https://www.covliving.org/contact-us/donation/ Under the Gift Designation area, select CovenantCare Hospice Illinois and under Tribute Gift, click on the Add an honor or memorial tribute and add Betty’s name.
