Kelly Brown

Kelly Ann Flynn Brown, age 59, died February 11, 2023, after a courageous 6-year battle with early onset Alzheimer's. Kelly remained sweet to her last day. She was born September 28, 1963, to Timothy and Kay Flynn of Howell, MI. Kelly leaves behind her husband Dean of 33 years and her two sons Andrew (Kelly) and Patrick, her sister Kathy Flynn (Jim Blankenship), her brother Tim Jr. Flynn (Jessica), in laws Harley and Phyllis Brown, sister in laws Laurie Stears (Paul), Sue Brookhouse (Dan) along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kelly was born in Detroit, graduated from Brighton High School and went to General Motors Institute in Flint, MI, and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree. She then went on to Boston College with a full scholarship to earn her MBA. It wasn't until 25 years later she told us she was top in her MBA class, but in typical, humble fashion always downplayed the size of her class. Kelly spent the first half of her career in the automotive industry and always considered herself a "car girl" who loved having a nice, clean car. Her second half of her professional life was spent in pharmaceutical sales, where she excelled and was consistently among the top ranks for nationwide sales. Throughout her career she always chose to make family first, working part time to turn down promotions that would have led to less family time. She was always active in her boys' lives, with her older son Andrew as a FIRST robotics mentor and coach, and her younger son Patrick as a "hockey mom" in ice rinks around Michigan. Whatever her boys were interested in, she was supportive- she was quick to volunteer for school and church activities. Kelly had a zest for life and was always up for adventure. She was an expert level snow skier who loved to fly down the mountain and was described as "poetry in motion." She instilled this love of adventure into her sons: encouraging motorcycles, skateboards, and all types of exciting activities. She loved boating in the summer, and never let adverse weather affect her attitude. She was more than special! A Celebration of her life will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Holland, MI on Saturday March 4, 2023, from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations in Kelly's name to Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center or Hospice. To send a message of love to the family, sign Kelly's guestbook or share a favorite memory please visit michigancremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kelly Brown, please visit our flower store.