Obituary for Edwina Evelyn Brown
September 18, 1936 — June 12, 2024
Edwina Evelyn Brown (née Fornal), 87, peacefully passed away at her residence in Mount Pleasant on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. She was born in Racine on Sept. 18, 1936, to her parents Edwin and Evelyn (née Christensen) Fornal.
Edwina’s journey through life was marked by devotion to her family, a passion for nurturing others, and an unwavering commitment to kindness. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1954. One of her first jobs was working at Harmony Dairy in Racine.
On Oct. 8, 1955, Edwina exchanged vows with the love of her life, Leslie Walter Brown, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Racine. They were married for 66 years until Leslie’s passing.
As a young adult, Edwina was proud to earn her certificate to teach Sunday school. She worked for several years at American Bank in Racine. Edwina and Leslie then started a family where she devoted her life to taking care of the family and home.
Edwina was a woman of many talents and passions. She enjoyed playing the piano and accordion. A skilled seamstress and embroiderer, she made many of her family’s clothes, and created beautiful homemade towels and quilts. She loved gardening and her flowers, especially her roses. Family vacations in Northern Wisconsin and car trips across the country created cherished memories.
In addition to her many passions, Edwina held a lifelong love for animals, birds and hummingbirds, and her cherished families’ pets. Family dinners, sharing stories, and laughter around the kitchen table brought her joy. Above all, Edwina’s heart overflowed with love for her children and grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with them.
Edwina Evelyn Brown will be lovingly remembered by her children: David (Bonnie) Brown, Dennis (Mary) Brown, and Susan (Jeff) Cota; grandchildren: Courtney Brown and Christopher Cota; sisters: Elizabeth Jensen and Christine Doss; as well as her nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.
She reunites with her beloved husband; parents; maternal grandparents, Lewis and Laura Christensen; paternal grandparents, John and Albina Fornal; brothers, Robert and John Fornal; and her Aunt Agnes and Uncle Naviys.
Services
A celebration of Edwina Evelyn Brown’s life will be held at noon, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m., on June 21 at Wilson Funeral Home. All are welcome. Both Edwina and her husband will be inurned at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Southeast Wisconsin Stars and Stripes Honor Flight or Racine Humane Society.
While her physical presence may be gone, Edwina’s spirit will continue to illuminate the lives of all who were blessed to know her, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and enduring grace.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’”
Proverbs 31: 28-29
Obituary and photo of Edwina Evelyn Brown courtesy of Wilson Funeral Home.
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