Sally L. Brown

To view a copy of Sally's funeral service, click here  https://youtu.be/ZVcL94lmyHE

Sally L. Brown, 86, of Grand Forks, passed away Tuesday, December 8.  Sally was born in Britton, South Dakota on October 15, 1934 to E. Ray Lamport and Nora (Gardner) Lamport.   Her childhood was spent in rural Hecla, South Dakota, where she attended Johnson School (rural school) until grade 7.   Her family moved into the town of Hecla, and Sally attended public school there until her Graduation in 1952.

After high school, she attended 3 years of Nursing School at Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  She took her boards for her RN on August 30 and 31, then married Hartley Brown on September 1, 1955 at Hecla Methodist Church.

The couple moved to Grand Forks, where Hartley finished college and began his teaching career, and Sally practiced her nursing skills.  She loved her nursing profession, and was very dedicated.  On blizzard nights, she would go into work the night before to make sure that the residents at Valley Eldercare on Almonte got the care they needed.  She stated many times that she loved the “hands on” style of the 3 year diploma graduates, and was always proud of what she gained by attending St. Lukes.  She was truly a hands-on nurse, and continued to work until her retirement at a series of office locations, the last one being office nurse for James Leigh at Altru.  She had a strong work ethic, and passed it to her children as a true gift.  She believed in being busy and active, always knitting or sewing in her free time.  She made hundreds of hand knit sweaters, also made clothes for herself and her children that were worn and cherished.

She had many interests, and together with Hartley she enjoyed a lifetime of summers on Maple Lake near Mentor, MN.  In their retirement, they wintered in Pharr, TX.

The couple had four children, Wendell Brown, Jolene (Dan) Mikkelson, Bradley Brown and Melanie (Don) Craig.

Sally’s grandchildren were the lights of her life.  She was as active and hands on with her grandchildren as she was with her nursing career.  She enjoyed time with each of them and their interests, and found her greatest joy in Tommy Mikkelson of Grand Forks, Lauren Craig (of Fargo) and Rachel Craig of Grand Forks.

Sally is survived by three adult children, Jolene, Bradley and Melanie.  She is also survived by her three grandchildren.  She is survived by Hartley’s two sisters (Sally’s sisters-in-law) Marilyn Folkestad of Oakes, ND and Karen Bell of Dayton, Ohio.  She has one niece, Muriel Lamport of Auborn, WA.   She also has one brother-in-law, Bill (Terrie) Brown of Staples, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hartley Brown,  her firstborn son, Wendell Wayne Brown,  her parents,  and her siblings, Van Lou Lamport and Bonnie Lamport Clavajo. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks.  There will be a memorial in the spring, when it is safer to gather.   She will be laid to rest at Memorial Cemetery, joining her husband.  She is now in the care of her Heavenly Father who we can only imagine welcomed her to heaven with open arms.  If you are moved to do something in Sally’s memory, here are a few things that she did in her life over and over again:  Slip some cash into the hands of a young working student.  Help pay for school lunches.  Help a young mom feed her kids.  Provide an experience for someone who can’t afford it.  Give to your church.  Or give to the church she loved (Calvary Lutheran).  Surprise someone who deserves a treat. That would make her smile.