Barbara Brown, 59, of Sea Ranch Lakes, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006, born in Evanston, IL. Barbara attended Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, IL, and went on to Marymount Junior College in Boca Raton, FL. She debuted at The Presentation Ball in December 1965 in Chicago. In 1969, she graduated from Loretto Heights College in Denver, CO, then received her teaching degree from the National College of Education in Evanston, IL. She maintained a life-long love for teaching and taught hundreds of students of all different ages. She grew up in Lake Forest, IL and, starting in 1955, spent part of every winter in Sea Ranch Lakes before moving there permanently in 1990. She was the beloved wife of John H. Brown; devoted mother of Heather and John (Jetter) Riggs. She was predeceased by her husband, John Riggs, and her parents, Marion, nee Ortseisen and Thomas J. Kane. She also leaves her sister Mary (Sissy) Kane Sullivan and her three brothers and their wives, Tom (Peggy) Kane of Wilton Manors, FL, Peter (Cathy) Kane of Lake Forest, IL and Mike (Judy) Kane of Newport Beach, CA. She was also close to her husband’s family and his son Scott, and loved deeply by many nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and grand nephews. She contributed to many causes and participated in many community organizations. She was a board member of Pinion, Inc. (benefiting Special Olympics in Broward County), and was actively involved in Junior League, Kids in Distress, 1000+ American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Gold Coast Guild, and the Sea Ranch Lakes Women’s Club. She was a generous, loving and compassionate wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Her zest for life was demonstrated by her bubbly personality and cheerful manner. She had a kind word for everyone and loved to laugh. Everyone who knew her will miss her forever. Visiting hours with the family will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Kraeer Funeral Home, 4061 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church at Atlantic Blvd. and Intercoastal Hwy (Route A1A) in Pompano Beach. Donations in her memory can be made to Pinion, Inc. 2811 NE 59th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308.
