Patricia Browne, 91

Beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt, Patricia Jane Browne, 91, of Dana Point, California, and Bigfork, died of natural causes on June 20, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Patty was born in Minden, Nebraska, to parents Leroy and Vlasta Ehlers on Sept. 10, 1932. Her family moved to Burley, Idaho, and in 1943, she was joined by her adored brother, Leroy. She was fortunate to attend the University of Idaho, Stevens College, and earned her degree in Home Economics from the College of the Pacific. After college, Patty taught home economics in the Stockton School District and eventually became a stewardess and instructor for United Airlines.

Patty met her husband, American Airlines pilot Jim Browne, on a ski trip to Austria. They married and raised three children in Southern California. Through Jim’s strong ties to Montana, they built a house in Bigfork and split their time between Southern California and Montana. After Jim retired from American Airlines, they owned and operated the Cottonwood Bronze Foundry and Glacier Antique Mall in Kalispell. 

Family was always a priority and focus for Patty. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a selfless, supportive, and beautiful woman with a heart of gold and will be greatly missed. 

She is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Jim (Susan) of Laguna Niguel; daughters, Wendy (Steve Brown) of San Clemente, and Julie Browne of Dana Point; grandchildren, Trevor Browne, Hannah Thomas, Ben Thomas, Jenny Browne, Lily Brown, and Greer Thomas; great-granddaughter, Rosey; brother, Leroy Ehlers of Stockton, California; and nieces, Lori Lane and Kim Wetzig.

Services will be held privately. Her final resting place will be at Pacific View Cemetery, Corona Del Mar, California.

 Condolences can be sent to jimbrowne25@gmail.com