Ilene Rose Brown Obituary (1936

Born in Seattle March 11, 1936, lived her entire life here. Passed away March 4, 2010 after a heroic losing battle with liver cancer. Ilene was one of nine children born to Victor and Inez Olson. Raised in Seattle, she attended Leschi Elementary, Washington Jr. High and Garfield High Schools. She is survived by her sister Victoria, brothers Neal, Albert, and Jim. Her sons Gerald A. Gibson Jr., Timothy R. Gibson, Paul D. Gibson, Craig L. Duncan and Michael K. Duncan, their wives Maryanne, Geralyn, Rosalinda, and Michael's girlfriend Sarah. Her grandchildren, Gerald A Gibson III, Brandy, Tiffany, Kimberly, Gina, Matthew, Cindy, Alex, Andrew and Kaeli., special niece Barbara Pettit, life long friend Rosalie Morehead, along with five great grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Ilene married Gerald A Gibson in 1954. They had three sons, Gerald A. Gibson Jr., Timothy R. Gibson and Paul D. Gibson. Ilene married Darold M. Duncan in 1963, later giving birth to her two youngest sons Craig L Duncan and Michael K. Duncan. Ilene early on always worked very hard and sacrificed to provide for her children. She sent them to Catholic Schools, and maintained a strong presence in their lives. Ilene held jobs as a waitress, clerk, sales associate, but her most important and cherished role was as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and good friend. She emphasized to her boys the importance of hard work and self reliance. As testament to her independence she owned and supported her own home and comfortable lifestyle. Ilene married Irley G. Brown in 1969, becoming the wife of a fisherman. Along that time she began a 30+ year working career in the seafood processing industry. She was a hard worker, led by example, promoted regularly and retired in 2003. Among her co-workers she made numerous friends and endeared herself to many people. Throughout her life she continuously took on projects ranging from her own home repair to volunteering for a multitude of good causes. Ilene was perpetually an optimist, always felt, expressed and showed compassion for all. She was a strong and outspoken advocate for the rights of the poor and disadvantaged. She possessed a gift of seeing the good in everyone. When the chips were down, she would not and did not complain. Her cheerful and positive attitude was one of her many wonderful traits. She was always willing to help - it had become her standard of doing things. Her home was the center of the world for her family, and was the place for all to gather and share in celebration of all birthdays, holidays and other memorable occasions. Ilene's life was an outstanding example to all those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. Her strong faith in God was a comfort to her - especially in her last days. The family wishes to thank the wonderful medical care provided by Dr. Henry Kaplan, along with all the Swedish Cancer Institute / Swedish Hospital nurses, and staff, whose kind care of her went way beyond expectation. Viewing 1-5 PM Saturday, March 13, at Columbia Funeral Home. Holy Rosary to be prayed 6 PM Sunday, March 14, and Funeral Mass 11 AM Monday, March 15, 2010, both at St Edward Catholic Church. The family would like all remembrances to be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle WA or NW AIDS Foundation. Please sign the guest book and share your memories of Ilene on this memorial (click 'Sign Guest Book').