JoAnn May Brown, 87, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Monday, June 8, 2026, unexpectedly at home doing what she loved, gardening.

JoAnn was born May 30,1939, to John and Mary (Kuchan) Meyer. She attended school in Red Lake Falls, MN and later moved to Grand Forks, where she worked at the Uptown Café. There she met Dean Brown who was on duty for the police department.

They married in 1957 and settled in the Riverside Park neighborhood where they raised their two daughters and enjoyed a life together of 60+ years, before Dean's passing in 2024. JoAnn was involved with many organizations and various jobs. She was an incredible cook and baker as her husband Dean said, "better than a professional chef".  She was well known for her donuts and sold many at church bake sales.  She worked local elections, Gordy's Café, Dakota Café, Hoffman's, Widman's, Touch of Magic and many more. She oversaw the people who made cotton candy for the Shrine Circus and the fish fry for the KEM Shriners for 40+ years. She was heavily involved in St. Michael's church over the years with the altar society, Christmas eve dinner, soup supper, extraordinary minister, just to name a few.

JoAnn enjoyed traveling, from trips to the casino, cruises with friends, and a trip to Israel with her church group. JoAnn enjoyed UND hockey and Twins baseball. She was a member of TOPS where she developed many lifelong friendships. JoAnn was a people person who enjoyed coffee and conversations. She was often the first at an event and last to leave. She could talk to anyone, anywhere, and always make people feel comfortable and valued. She was always ready to help wherever needed.

JoAnn is survived by her two daughters, Barb Brown, Grand Forks, ND, Cheryl (Jay) Ekren, Grand Forks, ND, granddaughters, Kayla Ekren, Grand Forks, ND, Kelsey (Casey) Pagnac, East Grand Forks, MN and great grandchildren, Ryker and River Pagnac. Siblings, Marion Shephard, Richard (Trudy) Meyer, Mary (Don) Johnson, Vicky (Steve) Zins, Gary (Rose) Meyer, several nieces and nephews and close friends, Janie Fetsch, Donna Larson and Rhea Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and siblings, Betty Marleau, Lorraine Klaven and Charlie Meyer.

Mass of Christian Burial: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Wednesday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.