West Michigan Flute Association
Emily Brown
Quote from Boundless Flute Recital, Emily Brown and Friends.
In her own words:
“Musically, I discovered the wonderful music of William Grant Still and have tried my hand at both arranging and composing. I have organized a new flute choir called the North Kent Flute Ensemble and learned how to play a simple system antique flute. I have also practiced more than I ever thought possible and still discovered that I wasn’t perfect.
But that is what this recital is really about. I needed to learn that it isn’t necessary to be perfect or to play the hardest music or to play the greatest concertos. Despite age or physical problems or lack of formal training the only thing stopping me from performing was myself. With the help of Darlene Dugan, Michele Mines, William Westney and his wonderful masterclass and a new Muramatsu purchased from Tammie Stimac I discovered that I still had something musically to share with other people. It is hard to share your innermost passions and risk criticism or rejection. But it is important that we reach out to others and TRY to give them our vision. We may succeed or not-but we tried. The very attempt is liberating because it gives you a new vision of yourself and a new look at life. It is never too late to erase your own self-made boundaries and explore your own vision.”
Emily Brown, May 09, 2008, Peace Lutheran Church
Emily Brown Obituary
Brown, Emily Anne 8/27/1947 – 8/22/2022 Sparta Emily Anne (Palm) Brown, 74, died surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, August 22, 2022, just days before her 75th birthday. She was surrounded by her loving children and husband of 51 years. Emily was born on August 27, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio. Emily’s strengths and accomplishments were varied: she earned a BS in Chemistry from Wittenberg University in 1969 and a MA in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1970. From an early age she loved reading and music and became an accomplished amateur musician. Emily was a published composer and arranger. As a very active member of the West Michigan Flute Association,
Emily served as both their president and treasurer. She has owned an H&R Block franchise for the past 40 years and absolutely loved preparing taxes for her clients. Emily got to know many of her clients very well and looked forward to seeing them every year. Emily had the highest ranking as an Enrolled Agent, where she was authorized to represent clients before the IRS. Emily was also interested in genealogy, and created a nearly complete family tree dating back to the 1700’s. As massive Tigers fan, Emily cherished going to Tiger Stadium for a day at the ballpark. There was another Tiger in her life – Tiger Woods. As a loyal fan, Emily would follow Tiger shot for shot at as many golf tournaments she could. In addition, she had a big heart and was always in sympathy with and advocated for “the little guy”. She and her husband Jon enjoyed vacations in their motorhome. Their trips continued despite Emily’s cancer diagnosis in 2009. Her diagnosis only slowed her travel planning; it did not stop it. One of her favorite trips included a bicycle/river tour of the Danube. Emily was not one to sit still and was usually multitasking as she knew she had one life to live and lived each day fully. She cherished her grandchildren and found joy in helping her friends. Emily left this earth but will remain in our hearts forever. She leaves behind her devoted family: husband Jon, daughter Marie, son Thomas (April), grandson Samuel, granddaughter Maya, very special brother-in-law Bill Brown, Cousin Randy White as well as many other cousins, colleagues, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence Palm and Emily (Braunschweiger) Palm and brother Gary Palm. A Celebration of Emily’s life will be held 3:00PM Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., a reception with snacks and music will follow the service. Visitation will be Saturday from 2:00PM until the time of her services. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that contributions be made in support of her beloved West Michigan Flute Association, or The Hands of Hope Foundation of Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, or in support of families in need at the Peace Lutheran Church (Sparta) Food Pantry.
To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook, please visit www.plaisierfuneralhome.com