Jean Quam Brown, 89, Minot and formerly of rural Grano died on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Jean was born on March 14, 1928 on the family farm near Grano, ND to Jacob and Gertrude (Bryans) Carlson. She attended elementary school in Grano and finished secondary school at Mohall High School. Graduating from North Dakota State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics, she then furthered her education at the University of Hawaii. Jean taught at Grassland Township, Drake, Carrington, Minot State College and established the boys Home Economics program at Minot High School.

Jean married Oscar Quam on June 3, 1956 in Minot. They made their home in rural Minot. Oscar and Jean were blessed with two sons, Paul in 1966 and William in 1968. Jean put aside her professional teaching career to be a full-time wife, mother and homemaker. She put caring for her family, church, friends, mother, father, husband and two sons above all else. Jean was the constant source of help in any area needed. Making sure her boys and all their friends made it to sporting events and activities in town was a source of great pride. She was a modern-day shuttlebus. When not shuttling, it was common for her to be making lefse and krumkake in her kitchen for the many bake sales at church. Additionally, Jean operated JC Interiors from her home, specializing in draperies and furniture upholstery. Oscar was the vice president for business affairs at Minot State College until his retirement in 1987, after which they spent their winter months in Mesa AZ. Oscar died on May 2, 1988.

Jean married John "Jack" Brown on July 15, 1990. They resided in Mesa during the winter and Minot during the summer. Jack died on May 20, 2013. Shortly thereafter, Jean returned to Minot on a full-time basis and resided at the Wellington.

Jean was a member of Vincent United Methodist Church, Alpha Gamma Delta, Elks Lodge, Eagles Aerie, and the Leisure World Investment Club. Jean\'s younger years were kept busy as President of the Bell School Board and was active in the P.T.A., P.E.O. and YWCA.

Jean was an avid golfer, bridge player and was an excellent hostess. Her latest tradition was hosting Bloody Mary breakfast on Sundays after church in her retirement years. She will always be remembered for her ever present warm smile, quick wit, endless love and devotion to her family. The grandkids she was blessed with were her pride and joy.

Jean was a determined, upbeat fighter. Her later years saw her physical abilities unable to keep up with her sharp mind. This did not deter her from living life to its fullest. She still had impeccable timing for a well placed joke, advice for a friend and a generosity that never faded.

She will be missed by all who called her mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend.

Jean's loving family includes her sons: Paul Quam of Wrightsville Beach, NC and Bill (Ginger) Quam of rural Minot; grandchildren: Sophia, Charles, Kirby, and Kendall; stepchildren, Julie (Gary) Kessler and Mark Brown; sister: Geri (Robbie) Belk of Charlotte NC; nieces and nephews: Janet (Jim) Maxson, Craig Gunning, Nina (Dave) Brossart, Blake (Shelly) Carlson, Duane (Bonnie) Carlson, Julie (Jim) Eppler, Jake (Robin) Belk and Blair (Summer) Belk.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brother Glen Carlson, and sister Gladys (Gunning) Vendsel.

Celebration of the Life of Jean Quam Brown: Monday, April 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens - Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Vincent United Methodist Church or to the Oscar and Jean Quam Scholarship Fund at Minot State University.