Birth date: Apr 11, 1945 Death date: Dec 23, 2017
Iola Catherine Brown, a lifelong Tacoma resident, passed away in her home on December 23rd, with her daughters by her side. With a strong will and positive attitude, she bravely fought a 24 year battle with cancer that served as a Read Obituary
The service today was a wonderful tribute to your mother.She was such an inspiration to so many people. It was nice to see you both and meet your families. I will always treasure the many happy memories of our childhood. My thoughts are prayers are with you and family.
I saw Iola regularly at Tapco as I was a title company sales rep. She always a beautiful smile on her face and was a kind and warm individual. I would guess that no one ever felt like a stranger to her but an old friend. That was the level of comfort she showed to everyone. She shared her cancer story with me but it was always with positive energy and lots of smiles. There was never sadness when she spoke of the disease but stories of blessings ,friendships, hope, prayers and love. She was an embodiment of warmth, grace and charm.
I am sad for her family but am confident she infused her wonderful values on all.
God Bless you and rest well the beautiful pink lady!!!
Iola, you were a beautiful person inside and out, and were so courageous in your fight against cancer. We will miss you!
The Falks
I met Iola while working for Tapco. She retired soon after I started, but she included me in so many functions within the Tapco family, and out. She organized a monthly Bunco group that met at her house for a night of fun,food and drink😃 Some nights we laughed so hard,tears were shed by many, including mine. She was also passionate about politics, having get togethers at her home for the Presidential election. She was a wonderful friend,coworker,and she loved her family intensely. I will miss her.
Debi J
Sun Lakes State Park. Camping. Poker by lantern light. Laughing into the darkness. The way you loved your children, grandchildren and Wendell. You smiled thru triumph. You smiled thru suffering. You showed strength when I know you felt weak. You were devoted., kind and humble.
I know you rest in peace. Void of pain. Your presence will be missed but your soul will continue to shine thru those who know and love you. I know you are watching over from up above. Feel the love as we feel yours. I'm sending a smile. I hope you get it!
Love and friendship, 💝 Mel
My dear dear friend Iola..how I will miss sharing seahawks games with you. You were one of my first friends when I moved to Tacoma and when you decided to clean up Pacific Avenue I knew I wanted to help. Together with others we forged ahead with banners and flowers. When you decidea we should have a festival it was a huge success. When you had a dream that we should add a car show, it was added the following year. When you decided to add a neighborhood watch group Four Star Safe Streets was born.
You have always been a warm friend to me and I will never forget all the fun times we had together. Going for sushi will be very different for me now. I will miss you my friend, may white light surround you as you go back to be with Wendell.
I remember Iola when she was a pre teen, and with my Date, her sister Diane, we went out for burgers one night. She was pleased that I had included her in the date, and I was happy to have her with us. That must have been in the early 60's. Rest in peace, Iola.
Iola, was a very kind and giving person, I'm truly sorry for your loss. I admired her strength and courage as she struggled with cancer. She made an impact to her community and will live in the hearts of her loved ones.
Alexander Almonte and Family
My dear friend Iola,
I will always remember our lovely times together, we had such fun. We shared stories, we laughed and we cried.
We made divinity each Christmas, mine would never get thick or set, yours was always perfect. We laughed again.
You were such a inspiration to me Iola I could ask you anything, and so so optimistic.
I will miss you my friend. The memories will live in my heart forever!!
“What a beautiful difference one single life made”
Your friend,
Ann B. XX
