Mary Kathleen Brown

Mary Kathleen Colson-Brown, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on January 20, 1951, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, to Orville and Ruth Bannon Colson. She was raised in rural western Nebraska, where she developed the resilience, warmth, and steady optimism that would define her life. From an early age, Mary exuded a bright and joyful spirit - one that blended curiosity, compassion, and a quiet determination to make the most of every opportunity.

In 1973, she moved to Illinois, where she met the love of her life, William “Jeff” Brown. Together they built a life rooted in partnership, laughter, growth and deep devotion to family. Over the course of their 50+ years together, Mary and Jeff made homes in Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Arizona - embracing each move as a new adventure in pursuit of education, meaningful work, and family. In 2023, they returned to Indiana to be closer to their cherished grandchildren, a role that brought Mary immeasurable joy.

Mary was a lifelong learner and an educator at heart. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana State University, later completing a Master’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University. She began her career as a staff nurse at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana, before moving into long-term care as Director of Nursing at Heritage House in Clinton, Indiana.

Her calling soon expanded beyond the bedside and into the classroom. Wanting to spend summers with her family, Mary joined the faculty at Ivy Tech in Terre Haute, where she discovered her true passion: mentoring and shaping the next generation of nurses. She later became Assistant Program Director of the Nursing Department in Hamilton County, Indiana, and eventually, after relocating to Prescott, Arizona, was appointed Dean of the Nursing program at Yavapai College. Over the course of her distinguished career, Mary mentored thousands of nursing students. She believed deeply in the dignity of the profession and the power of education to change lives. Her influence lives on in the countless nurses who carry forward her compassion and standards of excellence.

Mary embraced life fully and joyfully. She loved to travel, explore new places, and create memories with friends and family. Whether hosting gatherings, planning trips, or simply sitting around the table sharing stories, Mary brought warmth and light to every room. She had a way of making people feel seen, encouraged, and capable - a rare and generous gift.

Above all, Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her sons, Justin and Michael, were the pride of her life, and she adored their spouses, Danielle and Meghan, as daughters. Becoming “Nonna” to Elliott and Isla was one of her greatest joys; she treasured every moment with them and delighted in being present for their milestones and everyday magic alike.

Mary was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), and she attended St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Westfield. Her faith grounded her and guided her life of service and kindness.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jeff; her sons Justin (Danielle) of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Michael (Meghan) of Louisville, Kentucky; her cherished grandchildren, Elliott and Isla; her brothers Richard (Vickie) Colson and Edward (Pat) Colson of Paxton, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews who will remember her with love. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Colson.

Mary will be remembered for her bright smile, her adventurous heart, her steadfast love for her family, and the countless lives she touched through her work and friendship. Her legacy is one of compassion, curiosity, and joy - a life fully and beautifully lived.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, in Noblesville. Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 17102 Springmill Road in Westfield. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made to P.E.O. International with following link: (http://peointernational.org).  Make a Donation via Online or Mail-In. Please direct gift to: PEO Program for Continuing Education in Memory of Mary Brown.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com