1940 – 2016

Sally Jean Brown, who brought sparkle to the lives of many, died December 30 at her Mercer Island home.

She was a member of Mercer Island High School’s first graduating class. Sally received a degree in journalism from the University of Washington where she was president of the Associated Women Students and a member of Gamma Phi Beta. She worked for the Mercer Island Reporter for 17 years. Later she owned a specialty food business and managed restaurants in the Pike Place Market and Laurelhurst. She was a founding member of Les Dames d’Escoffier Seattle, professional leaders in the fields of food, beverages and hospitality. She was a trustee of the Women’s University Club and president of the People’s Memorial Association of Seattle. An editor of “Mercer Island from Haunted Wilderness to Coveted Community,’’ the island’s history book, she was beginning a term as president of the Mercer Island Historical Society.

She loved photography, travel and cooking.

First in her heart was family: husband Larry Brown, daughter Dr. Carrie York Williams, her husband Mark Williams, son Brice S. York and his wife Megan York, grandchildren Chase York, Braden Williams and Elisabeth Williams, a brother James Ford and a sister Kathy Ford.

Contributions may be made to the People’s Memorial Association or simply smile at someone you love in memory of Sally.