Gail Anne Brown

Gail Brown was loved by everyone, she had a very adventurous life. From the first time she went to Glen Lake and after she joined the West Michigan Royals Corvette Club. Her Life was fulfilled with the birth of her granddaughter Siena. Gail began her life with the love of her mother and father, and passed with the love of all those around her. Gails story began on a hot summer day in 1952, in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were tumultuous times in this country, which once again went to war, at the start of the Korean Conflict and the Baby Boomer generation. On July 10, 1952, Clarence and Barbara (Klosterhouse) Peterman had a boom of their own, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Gail Anne. Gail was joined by her little sister Gwen, four years her junior, in the familys home on Grand Avenue. Her dad was a policeman in Holland, where he also owned an ice cream shop, while her mother left her job at the Norge Plant in Muskegon after Gail was born. The family was of proud Dutch stock, and a close-knit clan, as well. Gail and Gwen were especially close growing up, and remained so all of their lives. In fact, they were so alike, they once landed in the emergency room an hour apart, each needing stitches! Gail enjoyed a very active childhood, and her parents were very social people, close with many of their neighbors, especially the Valliers. She also enjoyed riding horses, was active in the Girl Scouts, and spent many great times with her family at Glen Lake, too. Gail attended Muskegon Schools, and when she was a student at Muskegon High School, she joined the Big Reds marching band. After she graduated from Muskegon High in 1970, Gail continued her education in a dental assistant program, and also took classes to become a teacher. Eventually, though, she was offered a good job working for AAA Michigan in Muskegon, an offer she couldnt refuse. So she began working at AAA, the start of a 33-year career with the company, working at the Muskegon, Holland and later Grandville branches. Her personal life began to bloom, as well. In her mid-20s, Gail began dating a young man named Brian Brown, a friend of hers from Muskegon and Mona Shores schools. After dating for awhile, the two were married, and before Gail knew it, she became a proud parent. Gails first child, Jonathon, was born on March 22, 1980, though sadly, he passed away on October 5, 1980, at just six months old. It was a terrible loss for Gail, but her spirits were buoyed by the birth of her daughter Kristen on July 17, 1981, a beautiful belated birthday present for Gail. Dianna followed on May 15, 1983, making her mother so happy and proud. Gail and Brian would eventually divorce, yet she remained a very loving, supportive and attentive parent, as well as a great provider for her girls. She was very understanding, dependable, and willing to do anything for those she loved, none more so than her daughters. Gail had many other interests, as well, especially her love for Corvettes. Her passion for the sportscars led her to become a longtime member of the Royal Corvettes of West Michigan. She made many good friends there, going to the race events and shows, and was even the club secretary for many years, too. She loved hitting the open road in her Corvette, pedal down and wind in her face, the ultimate stress reliever for her. Gail and her girls did plenty together, and in fact, they did everything together. They took family trips to Glen Lake, fun times filled with skiing, fishing and climbing the dunes, just like Gail did when she was a girl. They enjoyed big gatherings with the whole family, and quiet times at home together, with their schnauzer, Gidget Joe Gizmo by their side. Eventually, Gail was laid off from AAA, which gave her more time to attend to the things she loved most of all. She especially loved spending time with her granddaughter, Siena. The happiest days of her life were the births of her children, and her little baby granddaughter. Gail also enjoyed quiet times around the house, working on her ceramics or cross-stitching projects, but family was always first in her heart. She was more than a mother to her daughters; she was truly their best friend, and always there when they needed her, quick with her beautiful smile and easy laugh. Later in life, Gail began developing health problems, and though she battled them valiantly, she sadly died on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at the age of 55. Gail was a wonderful woman, such a caring, fun-loving lady. More than anything, Gail was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, whose life was a gift to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Gail is survived by her two daughters, Kristen Brown, Dianna Brown, both of Muskegon; granddaughter, Siena Stone; sister, Gwen Peterman of Muskegon; many nieces & nephews; former spouse, Brian Brown of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her son, Jonathan. Services are scheduled for Saturday, February 16, 2008, 1:00 PM, at the Clock Chapel with Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.