LEWISTON — Karen J. (Kay) Brown, of Lewiston passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, at Central Maine Medical Center, with her family by her side, from complications from a long illness. Karen was only 59.

Karen was born in Waltham, Mass., the middle of five children to Alfred W. and Constance J. Kay. She loved to cook, crochet, the ocean and her family, especially her four-legged children. She always went out of her way to help those in need and to think of others and animals before herself. She had a really big heart.

Karen was a 1975 graduate of Montpelier High School and held a bachelor’s degree in science from Vermont College, Montpelier, Vt. She worked as a lab technician for more than 30 years at various places in Massachusetts and Maine.

Karen will be greatly missed by her sister, Vickie of Minot; mother, Connie; husband, David; and her three dogs.

Life will not be the same and much sadder without her in it.

She was predeceased by her father, Alfred W., whom she missed so much and has joined now after almost 30 years.

Karen is survived by her husband, David; four-legged kids, Ellie May, Casey and Josie; sisters, Vickie Olfene and her husband, Todd, of Minot and Leslie Rose and husband, Robert, of West End, N.C.;  brother, Peter Kay of Newport News, Va.; and five nieces, one nephew, three grandnieces and two grandnephews.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff on Y3 for helping Karen and the family during this very sad time.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Karen’s guest book and leave memories and condolences for the family.