CLEO MARY (MEYER) BROWN

April 1, 1927 - January 11, 2012

Cleo Mary (Meyer) Brown, age 84, died Wednesday evening, January 11, 2012, at Caledonia Care and Rehab. She was born April 1, 1927 in Caledonia to William and Rose (Ernster) Meyer. She graduated valedictorian from Loretto High School in Caledonia in 1945, and St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Chicago in 1947. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Chicago until 1955, when she and her husband moved to Caledonia. For over 30 years Cleo worked full time as a night shift RN at Caledonia Community Hospital, from 1955 until her retirement in 1989. Over these years she delivered numerous babies, and was well respected by staff and patients. She was known as a dedicated and concerned caregiver. She was a lifelong devoted member of St. Mary's Parish, a member of the Council of Catholic Women, and the VFW auxilary. Cleo was also a longtime volunteer and donor of the Red Cross Bloodmobile. Over the years, she enjoyed traveling, and participated in several European religious tours. Cleo was an avid reader, a wonderful cook, and a loving mother and grandmother. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends, who all knew she was eagerly looking forward to beginning her new heavenly life, once death came. She is survived by her husband, Charlie; sons, Steve of Caledonia, Tim of Minnetonka, and Dave and his wife Sue of Texas; one sister, Marilyn Kennedy of Caledonia; four grandchildren, Maggie, Sam, Jessica and Rachel; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leon. A funeral celebration will be held at 10:30 am on Monday morning, Jan. 16, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia.Fathers Gregory Leif and Thomas Jennings will concelebrate. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church, 9:30 to 10:30 on Monday.Cleo chose to be cremated, and her ashes will be interred at Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia, Donations in Cleo's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society and St. Mary's Parish. McCormick Funeral Home is assisting the family.