Elizabeth 'Liz' (Proud) Brown

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Brown, Elizabeth Proud "Liz" of Lakeshore, MN passed away on December 19, 2014 after a short illness. She was born on November 27, 1931 to Dr. Theodore and Elizabeth Proud in Chicago, IL, the eldest of 3 children and dearly known as "Sister". Liz graduated from DePauw University in 1954 with a degree in Home Economics. She married Jim Brown on June 11, 1955, enjoying 57 years together before Jim passed away in 2012. Liz faithfully supported Jim as he finished medical school, continuing through his service in the US Armed forces as a Navy Radiologist, traveling throughout the world, including 3 years stationed in Japan. After Jim's military career, they eventually settled in Bemidji, MN, where Jim and Liz founded Northern Medical Imaging (NMI), a company on the technological forefront of mobile nuclear medicine. Liz contributed by founding Valley Professional Services, providing state of the art computerized office support and billing services to NMI. In the late 90s, they moved to Duluth, the city on the lake, where Liz was able to focus more on serving others along with active involvement in gardening clubs, piano and her family. Upon retirement, Jim and Liz became nomads, traveling across the country by motorhome, enjoying adventurous trips around the world while maintaining home bases in Benson, AZ and Brainerd, MN. Liz was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She leaves behind 6 children: Tom, Charlie, Susan, Martha, Amy, and Sarah along with 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, who all loved her dearly; sister, Suzanne Kroeger; brother, Theodore Proud. Faith was a core aspect of Liz's life, actively serving in many positions and roles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the epitome of service, engaged in helping others within the community, church and family. Liz had a natural-born talent and became an accomplished pianist and organist. In early years, Liz played professional organ for churches and weddings then later in life discovered ragtime music, playing in ragtime music festivals across the country, with Dizzy Fingers and 30 Fingers being her favorite pieces. Someone once said "The value of life lies not in the length of the day, but how we make use of them." Liz lived her life to the fullest and left the world a better place for having livedthe greatest legacy of all. The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped care for and support our mother in her final days. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd at 10:00 AM at the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 521 Upham Road, Duluth, MN. Memorials may be directed to Prostrate Cancer Research Institute, a cause that was dear to both Jim and Liz. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555

Published on December 22, 2014