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Virginia Lee Brown, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, October 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 10, 1937 in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Samuel and Rhea (Arver) Cook.
Virginia was a lifelong resident of Sturgis and a proud graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1955. On June 21, 1958, she married the love of her life, Scott W. Brown, at the rectory of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. They shared 62 wonderful years together before his passing on October 16, 2020.
Virginia devoted her life to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and a member of the first class of Holy Angels School. Always caring and hardworking, she found joy in canning, cooking, and gardening to provide for those she loved. She also enjoyed fishing, entertaining, and sharing her kitchen talents with family and friends.
A loyal fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Virginia never missed a chance to cheer on her team. She and Scott shared a love for adventure and travel, visiting destinations around the world and enjoying 25 memorable cruises together. Though she had many hobbies and interests, nothing brought her more happiness than time spent surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Julie Anne Brown of Sturgis, Scott Michael (Diane) Brown of Traverse City, Gregory Alan (Susan) Brown of LaGrange, Indiana, and Jeffery Wayne (Jacalyn) Brown of Sturgis; grandchildren: Austin, Carter, Vanessa, Nathan, Sean, Ashley, Grant, Emily, and Brian; great-grandchildren: Liam, Knox, Nolan, Caleb, Andrew, and Rylie; and Greg (Kim) Persing of Sturgis, affectionately considered the family’s “brother from another mother.” She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Lyman (Mary) Brown of Sturgis, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Elsie Blanchard and Carol Jean Fair.
Private graveside service and burial will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. The Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski of Holy Angels Catholic Church will officiate.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial donations in honor of Virginia would be appreciated to Camp Fort Hill, c/o Sturgis Area Community Foundation, 214 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, or to Centrica Care Hospice, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
