Catherine A. (Broxon) Brown

Catherine A. Brown, age 83, formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Clearvista Lake Health Campus, Indianapolis, IN. Cathy was born on November 8, 1939, in Fort Wayne, IN, to the late Harold and Mildred (Kinstle) Broxon. Cathy married Carl M. Brown on May 12, 1962; and he preceded her in death on September 27, 2008.

Cathy had a lively spirit that thrived in the great outdoors. Moving to Crooked Lake her last two years of high school inspired a love of swimming, waterskiing, & camping. Cathy’s love for these activities was infectious and she passed on this passion to her family. Vacations centered around setting up camp and enjoying the tranquility of nature or a sandy beach. She found joy in the simple pleasures of gathering around a campfire, sharing stories, and making memories.

As a doting grandmother, Cathy cherished time spent with her grandchildren. From backyard camping adventures to lively games of dominoes, she delighted in their laughter and competitiveness.

Cathy graduated from Angola High School in 1957 and St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1960. Professionally, Cathy was a critical care nurse who found her calling in the halls of St. Joseph Hospital for 20 years and later retired from Lutheran Hospital in 2004. Nursing was not just a job; it was her vocation. Even in retirement, when someone suggested Cathy used to be a nurse, Cathy would reply with conviction, “I am still a nurse.” Her passion for healing and caring for others left an indelible mark on those she served as well as those she worked with.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cathy was renowned for her fearless spirt. During the Blizzard of 1978, she earned the title of “Coolest Mom in the Neighborhood.” Unfazed by the steep hill, Cathy hopped on a round metal sled sliding down the hill at top speed and soaring into the air when she flew over the mogul created by her sons, much to the delight of her children and the neighborhood kids. Her willingness to embrace life’s unexpected joys brought laughter and warmth to all who knew her.

Cathy’s survivors include three sons, Mark (Sherry) Brown, Fishers, IN, Gregory Brown, Boulder, CO, Steven Brown, McMinnville, TN, one daughter, Carla (Dan) Brennan, Indianapolis, IN; five grandchildren, Allison (Jon) Roskam, Katie Brown, Anna Brennan, Patrick Brennan, and Dahlia Brown; and two brothers, John (Rosemary) Broxon, Pleasant Lake, IN, and Mark (Laurie) Broxon, Hamilton, IN, and a numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her professions, Cathy was equally dedicated to the community. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Rosary Sodality, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Past President of St. Joseph School of Nursing Student Association. She maintained and cherished many childhood friends from grade school, high school, nursing, and her community.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Joan Broxon.  

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 903 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mary Catholic Church or Masses in care of McElhaney-Hart/Deal Rice Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, Indiana 46750.

McElhaney- Hart/Deal Rice Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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