Betty “Brownie” Brown Laes

Betty “Brownie” Brown Laes (The Welcome Wagon Lady) was granted her wish to pass away in her sleep – August 12, 2015 on Bainbridge Island, where she grew up and graduated BHS class of 1940. She was 93.

Raised an optimist even during the Great Depression, she embraced a life filled with love, laughter and loyalty.

A fearless dreamer, punster and prankster, Betty was constantly hopping between activities before and after raising her family; either as the Welcome Wagon Lady and Girl Scout Leader in the 1960’s, or in her husband’s (Harlin’s Toys & Hobbies) shop in the 1970’s, and later in the Chamber of Commerce Office. She retired from “Go Travel” as she approached her 80th birthday. Her hobbies included family ancestry (proud of her DAR status), cooking, sewing, traveling and entertaining – especially forcing guests to play UNO for money. She always won!

In 1967 she and her pal, Georgia Cox, were asked to organize the first “Grand Old Fourth” which kept her busy throughout the years, never missing a parade.

She also cherished quiet times trolling in her little green boat, always convinced she would get that elusive salmon, but catching and releasing one dog fish after another.

Her adventurous spirit allowed her simple freedoms growing up near Fay Bainbridge, and more complicated journeys such as moving her small children to Scotland on the Queen Mary to meet up with Harlin at the Air Force base in Prestwick. Then there was the camping trip across the USA with just her 3 children and the dog in their Rambler (plus a couple of bears overhead in the trees).

A strong-willed woman, she never shied away from putting someone in their place, as long as it was at her kitchen table with a glass of cheap white wine!

Betty is survived by her children, Toni (Dave) Henry, Tari (Tom) Laes, Ron (Diana) Laes, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and an extended family of wonderful friends of all ages. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Harlin Laes, and devoted sidekicks: Dorothy Halls, Edi Nygard-Gilmore, Georgia Cox, and Joan Barnes.

A Celebration of Life for a life well lived will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please put this paper down right now and let someone know they are loved. She would like that. A lot!