Grace Sylvia (Carlson) Leque-Brown

1925  –  2022

Grace Leque-Brown

Grace Leque-Brown went home to her Heavenly Father on January 14, 2022. Grace Leque-Brown was born in Wildrose , North Dakota on May 28, 1925 to Carl and Eda Carlson. She is survived by her sons Norman (Gail) and Timothy (Barb) and her grandchildren Nicholas (Wendy), Timothy, Jake, Aaron, Mollie and also two nephews Ken ( Carol ) and Sue ( David ). She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Evelyn Patton, brother Duane Carlson, husbands N. Paul Leque (1981) and Bob Brown (2010).

Grace grew up on the prairies of North Dakota during the 1920s and 30s. She told tales of harsh winters and her dad bringing her and her sister and brother to school in a sleigh during winter. When she was a teenager, the family moved to the Tacoma, Washington area. She lived with her Aunt Sadie Solomon in Parkland, Washington while attending Pacific Lutheran University. She helped pay her way by working swing shifts at an airplane factory in Tacoma during World War II. It was there she met N. Paul Leque after the war while he also was attending the university. They were married on December 26, 1948 after both had graduated from PLU. After that they settled down in Kirkland, Washington where Paul taught in the public schools and Grace as well until their sons Norm and Tim were born. They were founding members of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington where they were both active members. Grace enjoyed many trips to the ocean and surrounding mountains with her family. She especially enjoyed Mt. Rainier and her brother built a cabin close to the park for her sister. The cabin was enjoyed by the family for many years. It was a great base camp for Grace and family to explore the surrounding back roads and trails. In 1981, Paul passed away. With her kids grown, Grace decided to go back to work for the federal government in downtown Seattle. She enjoyed her work and walking down to the waterfront and Pikes Place Market for lunch with some of her coworkers. In the early 90s she met Robert ( Bob ) Brown and they were married in 1994. That year she also retired from the federal government at the age of 69. Grace and Bob settled in Kirkland and had many travels in their motor home throughout the United States. They would also park it at the cabin at Mt. Rainier and her kids and grandchildren would stay in the cabin.

There were many great meals out on the back deck after a day of hiking and exploring. Grace and Bob also visited Norway, Greece, Israel and took many trips to Hawaii. In 2010 Bob passed away and Grace went to live at Merrill Gardens Senior Living Community in downtown Kirkland. A memorial service will take place at St Luke’s Lutheran Church in the spring.