Norma Brown

Norma Kay Brown, 54, died unexpectedly at home on Oct. 30, 2010. Norma was born in Cottage Grove, Oregon on Dec. 30, 1955. Norma was a pioneer kidney transplant patient having been one of the first children to ever have a successful transplant. Norma had three kidney transplants in her short life. Norma’s first transplant was at the age of 14; despite this Norma graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1974.

Norma moved to Alaska in 1974, had her daughter in 1975 and married William R. Brown Jr. Jan. 20, 1976. Norma lost her kidney partly due to the pregnancy and returned to Portland, Ore. for treatment. Norma lived in Oregon until 1981, when she returned to Alaska, after a successful transplant and time on the road with her husband doing long-haul trucking. Norma worked for a short time at Arctic Roadrunner, Montgomery Ward and B&J Sporting Goods.

Norma found long-term employment with Financial Collection Agency of Anchorage, before moving on to Medical Billing and collections at HealthSouth.

Norma and Bill moved to Wasilla in 1995 and began building their home. Norma obtained employment at Dr. Rudolph’s office, where she worked until going on disability due to ongoing health issues. Norma collected bells from all over and enjoyed hunting, camping, crocheting, crafts and online gaming, but most of all spending time with her most precious possession her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Despite all of Norma’s pain and medical troubles she worked very hard for as long as she could. Norma always put her family before herself up to the end of her life, never wanting to worry anyone.

Her family said, “Norma had the most amazing laugh that filled an entire home with joy, it was contagious. She will be dearly missed by all of those who knew her.”

Norma is survived by her husband William (Bill) R. Brown; daughter Christie Lynn Brown; and, granddaughters Haely and Kylee Inlow, all of Wasilla. She is also survived by her mother Annie (Betty) E. Smith of Anchorage; sister Mary E. Fichtner and family of Wasilla; brother Terry L Smith and family of Oregon; brother Johnnie C. Smith Jr. and family; stepdaughter Corrina Warren; and grandchildren Brandon, Crystal, and Ashley Gibson and Zachary Biggart all of Washington. She is also survived by many in laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Norma was preceded in death by her father Johnnie C. Smith Sr., her maternal grandparents Loyal and Margaret Hinkson and paternal grandparents William and Olive Brown and many other loved ones.

A Memorial Service for Norma is at noon, Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across from Colony High School in Palmer. There will be a small reception at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be accepted at the Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla. Thank you in advance for your kind donations.