Diana Louise Brown

Diana Louise Brown, passed away on Friday March 22, 2024, with her family surrounding her with love in the preceding days.  Diana, affectionately known as Dede, was 64 years old. She was born October 7,1959, the seventh child of Curtis and Renee Gilbert.  

Dede was married to her Husband James “Kevin” Brown on August 30th,1980. They were married for 42 years and they had their beloved son James Douglas (JD) Brown in 1984.  They stayed and raised their family in the Custer/Ferndale area.  

Dede attended Custer Elementary School and Ferndale High School.  She worked for many years at Samson Ocean Systems, but most of her life was spent caring for children.  Dede is thought of by her nieces and nephews and many friends as a second mom.  Dede enjoyed camping, road trips, watching movies, drawing, collecting elephants and most of all being surrounded by children and the people she loved. It was a rare moment to find Dede without a baby on her lap. In recent years Dede was very happy to have reconnected with her Grandson Dominick. He was the light of her life and she was overjoyed to have him live with her until her death. Dede and her Mom, Renee, had a special life long devotion and connection with each other with a love and friendship that will be treasured always.

Dede is survived by her Grandson, James Dominick Brown; Mother, Renee Gilbert; Sisters, Cheryl Moore, Nancy (Chris) Secrist, Janice Hettervig, Valerie (Marc) Hendrickson; Brother, Curtis (Geri) Gilbert; Aunt, Sharon (Dean) Pollinger; as well as numerous Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews; and special friends, Lisa Rasmussen and Julie Gamble and her family, plus many other chosen family and friends. 

Dede was preceded in death by her father Curtis Gilbert; Husband, Kevin Brown; Son, JD Brown; Sister, Norene Gilbert; Brother-in-law, Paul Hettervig; and Brother-in-law, Rick Moore.

A graveside memorial will be held at Haynie Cemetery (8855 Valley View Road, Blaine, WA) on Saturday April 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm followed by a memorial and Celebration of Life until 5:00 pm at Tillicum House (2000 Cherry St. Ferndale, WA).