Norma N. Brown

In Loving Memory of Norma Nell Nielsen Brown It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norma Nell Nielsen Brown, who departed from this world on March 23, 2025, at the age of 101. Norma was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Niece, Mother, Wife, Aunt, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, cherished by many and respected by all who knew her. Born on January 24, 1924, in Lakeview, Oregon to Bertha and Elmer Harris. She was one of seven children raised on the farm in Willow Ranch, California. Some of her favorite moments were curling up behind the wood stove waiting for mom to pull the warm bread from the oven and playing in the tire swings with her brothers and sisters. At age 12, she won a trip through the 4H club to ride the train to the California State Fair in Davis, opening her eyes to the world outside of Willow Ranch. She attended school in New Pine Creek, Ca. finishing high school in Alturas in 1941. The following winter a handsome young Dane came to town, she met the love of her life, Clayton Nielsen, and they were married on July 5, 1942. Together the had five sons, Denny, Jerry, Rod, Doug and Mark. As a busy housewife, she spent time raising her boys, tending to family needs, cooking, sewing, and milking cows. In her spare time, she took up piano lessons and ran the Willow Creek library serving on the board. The family moved to Central Point in 1962 where Clayton later suffered an accident and passed away. Norma had taken a job at J.C. Penny's and after a couple years sold her organ and sewing machine and with some help from her mom put a down payment on a house in Medford, Oregon. It was there that she met Fred Brown, and they married on February 7, 1964. Fred and Norma built a house on a hill in Ashland, Oregon, working evenings and weekends until they had it finished. They spent the next forty plus years their raising the boys and welcoming their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. During this time, she took up a new hobby: painting. She excelled in her artistic skills perfecting everything from still life, landscapes, and portraits to pencil sketches. Her art filled her home and all her families. She was, indeed, a remarkable artist. Eventually they settled in a cozy neighborhood in Talent, Oregon. After Fred passed away, she stayed there until spring of 2020 when she moved to a home to recover from a bout with pneumonia. It was then that the Alameda Fire took both her home in Talent and home in Phoenix with every possession she had to her name. She was taken in by her sons and eventually settled in Vancouver, Washington where she lived out her final years. Norma lived a life full of love, kindness, and devotion. She is remembered as the matriarch of the family, known for always taking in and caring for those in need unconditionally. Norma was preceded in death by her parents: Elmer and Bertha Henderson Harris, Husbands: Clayton Nielsen and Fred Brown, Brothers: Ted, Ross, Lee, Gordon, Sisters: Barbara and Elizabeth, Grandson: Josh Nielsen, Daughter-in-law: Gale Nielsen, Son: Mark Nielsen. Norma is survived by her children who brought immense pride and joy: Sons: Leland D. Nielsen, Jerry Nielsen, (Kathy), Rod Nielsen, (Melinda), Doug Nielsen, (Cindy). Beloved Grandchildren who will always remember her gentle spirit: Randy, Kevin, Kristine, Melisa, Colby, Casidee, Amanda and Tiffany. She is fondly remembered by several cousins, nieces, nephews and multiple Great and Great-Great grandchildren. Norma will be laid to rest on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, WA. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate the remarkable life of Norma. Norma Nell will be deeply missed but will forever remain in our hearts as a beacon of love and kindness. Rest in peace Mom, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great grandma. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you always keep Norma in your thoughts.

Norma N. Brown

January 24, 1924 - March 23, 2025