Gertrude Brown, 71

As the early morning sun began to light the horizon on April 7, 2025, Gertrude N. Brown, 71, took her final breath of the new day, passed into Paradise, and into the waiting arms of her beloved, late husband. Born April 20, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Armand and Priscilla Michaud Sr. and she was a lifelong resident of the Keegan village of Van Buren.

Gert worked for several years with the former Irving Gas Station and Convenience Store, Van Buren, before moving onto operating Keegan Variety with her daughter for almost 20 years. She loved greeting her many customers stopping through for their coffee and groceries and always delighted hearing and sharing many life stories.

Though happy to assist her customers at the stores, Gert's devotion was home caring for her devoted husband and children. The Brown home was the center of her family's world and hosted a plethora of sleepovers for her children's friends while in school and was always a mandatory destination for visiting family and extended family.  As her family expanded to include her grandchildren and great grandchildren, the light in her heart brightened to become a beacon calling all her littles home to visit. Many barbeques, cookouts and campfires were celebrated every season, cherished memories were created and shared, and every step was dutifully overseen by Gert's tender loving mothering.

Gert's beacon continues to shine in the hearts of her three children, Tammy Searles and her husband Karl of Keegan, Ron Brown Jr. and his companion Natasha Levesque of Van Buren, and Cindy Thibeault and her husband Bryan of Keegan; six grandchildren, Erika, Sarah, Garey, McKenna, Finley, and Zagoria; three great grandchildren, Tanner, Ashton and Liam; ten siblings, Rita Chambers, Cecile Tracy, Florence Orser, Germaine Deschaine, Audette Castonguay, Jeannine Cyr, Sharon Michaud, Armand Michaud Jr., Arnold Michaud, and Mark Michaud; and many nieces and nephews.

Gert now joins in Paradise her beloved husband of 49 years, Ron Brown Sr., who passed in 2022, her parents, and two siblings, Roger Michaud and Bernadette Brown.

At Gert's request, a memorial will be celebrated privately and at the convenience of her family. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren.

www.LajoieFuneralHome.com