Mary Lou Brown "Lou Brown"

Lou Brown, community volunteer, businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on October 17, 2022. She was 95 years old. Born Mary Lou Pickett on August 5, 1927 in Springfield, Illinois, she attended Rochester High School and Illinois Business College. She married Paul Brown of Springfield in 1948. They moved to Princeton, Illinois in 1969 where they owned and operated Princeton Crown Lanes. She was a certified junior bowling coach who enjoyed working with youth bowlers. A tireless volunteer and leader, she was involved in many community activities and helped to organize the Homestead Festival, the Civil War Re-enactment, the Flags of Freedom and the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. She served on the Princeton Fire and Police Commission Board for 23 years, the Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board where she served as President for three years, and the Illinois Business and Professional Women’s Clubs as State Leadership Chair. As the Bureau County Bicentennial Chair, she wrote an article, Happy Birthday America, which was buried in the State of Illinois Bicentennial time capsule to be opened in 2076. She served as the Homestead Festival Parade Grand Marshall in 2012. Recognized for her dedication and service to the Junior Achievement Program, she was presented with a clock by the District Office. Lou was also active in many community events. She was Princeton’s first Easter Bunny, Bureau County Fair Pageant Director and was involved with the Bloodmobile for 30 years. She hosted a weekly radio program on WZOE called Bicentennial Happenings with Lou. She is a recognized public speaker on many subjects including Abe Lincoln, Flag and Country, Free Enterprise, and Leadership. She was inducted into the State of Illinois Hall of Fame for Community Service in 2005. Lou served in a number of General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) leadership roles locally, regionally and nationally. She founded the Princeton Junior Womans Club where she served as President. She founded and served as President of the GFWC Womans Club of Princeton; served as the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs President; served on the Great Lakes Region Board; and served on the GFWC National Board as the Leadership Chair, Today’s Woman Chair, Community Improvement Program Chair and Fundraiser Chair. She wrote a book, Skill Builders for Leadership, and a booklet, Change Makes Dollars, that were sold to clubs and club members as fundraisers for GFWC. She is also the author of the 100 Year History of GFWC Illinois District 16 and 100 Year History of the GFWC Womans Club of Princeton. As a member of the Elks Club, she could frequently be found there dancing with Paul. Along with growing flowers, she always had a big garden and then canned the produce. She loved being around her family. Lou moved to Indiana in 2017 to be closer to her family. She is survived by son Kent L. (Cindy) Brown, Sacramento, CA and daughters Kathy L. Brown, Indianapolis, IN and Karla L. West, Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Paul; her parents; and a granddaughter. The family will have a private graveside service at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton with Pastor Scott Schmidt officiating. Cremation rites accorded. Online memorials and condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com

Mary Lou Brown "Lou Brown"

August 5, 1927 - October 17, 2022