Margaret Ann “Midge” Brown: A Life of Learning, Movement, and Community Remembered
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A vibrant life dedicated to lifelong learning, artistic expression, and community engagement has come to a close with the passing of Margaret Ann “Midge” Brown, who died peacefully in her sleep on August 9, 2025, at the age of 67, following a battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Born December 20, 1957, in Seattle, Washington, Brown’s journey was marked by a relentless curiosity and a commitment to personal growth that touched all who knew her.
Early Life and Pursuit of Passion
Midge, the youngest of five children born to Ann J. and Arthur C. Brown, was raised in the Pacific Northwest alongside her siblings Kate, Steve, Dave, and Scott. From a young age, she demonstrated exceptional talent and drive, excelling in academics and the arts. She was an All-State Band member in Washington, playing the bass clarinet, and gained early political experience as a Page at the Washington State House of Representatives, where her father worked.
After high school, Midge embarked on a path of self-discovery, exploring various interests while developing a deep appreciation for Aikido. A transformative six-month experience teaching Aikido in Vancouver solidified her passion for the martial art, leading her to travel throughout the Pacific Northwest to further her practice. It was this journey that ultimately led her to Humboldt County, California, a place she would come to call home.
Building a Life in Arcata
In Arcata, Midge found a community that embraced her adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity. She moved there with her husband, Kevin, and together they built a life centered around connection, creativity, and mutual support. Midge approached life as a perpetual student, constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences. Whether through journal writing, mastering a new skill, or deepening her Aikido practice, she embraced growth and understanding.
“Movement and physicality were central to who she was,” a close friend recalled, highlighting Midge’s active involvement in dance, Aikido, and the broader community. She forged deep connections through her friendships, her teaching, and her unwavering support for the people and causes she cared about.
A Career Defined by Brilliance and Dedication
Throughout her career, Midge demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and excel. She initially worked as a technical writer and employee trainer at EagleSoft, but her true intellectual brilliance shone when she returned to school. In 2005, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Cal Poly Humboldt, graduating as the top-ranked student in the department and receiving the Computer Science Outstanding Student of the Year award.
Following graduation, Midge put her skills to work at Let’s Go Learn, where she enjoyed the flexibility of remote work and the opportunity to remain actively involved in her family’s life. She and Kevin were known for opening their home to their son, Elliott’s, friends, providing lunch and a welcoming space for teenage connection. “She loved listening to all the high school gossip,” a family member shared, “because it made her feel like she was involved in Elliott’s life in a tangible way.”
A Multifaceted Life Filled with Passion
Midge’s passions extended far beyond her professional life. She was an avid reader, with John Irving being her favorite author, particularly captivated by A Prayer for Owen Meany and The Cider House Rules. The historical romance Out of Africa held a special place in her heart, and she found joy in capturing life’s moments through photography, especially documenting her son Elliott’s soccer games.
She was a dedicated supporter of Elliott’s interests, famously advocating for him to play soccer with older children, ultimately persuading the Mad River Soccer board to allow him to join a more challenging age group. Music was also integral to her life, as she played the clarinet with the Crab Grass Band and the Cal Poly Humboldt Marching Lumberjacks, bringing the same dedication and joy to her music that she brought to everything she did.
Midge’s vibrant spirit was also evident in her participation in African dance and Samba, frequently joining the 4th of July parades and other celebrations on the Arcata Plaza. She cultivated a close-knit community of supportive women through her dance practice, forming lasting friendships built on shared passion and encouragement.
A Master of Aikido and Creative Expression
For nearly 26 years, Midge dedicated herself to the Japanese martial art of Aikido, achieving multiple black belt certifications and earning a reputation for her skill and precision. She was known for her ability to quickly subdue opponents, demonstrating both physical prowess and strategic thinking. Beyond Aikido, Midge found creative fulfillment in working with clay, making pottery at Fire Arts and in her backyard studio.
Her playful and imaginative spirit truly shone during Halloween, where she created elaborate costumes each year, transforming herself into characters like a bushel of grapes (made with purple balloons), a terrifying witch, a 1920s flapper, and even the international criminal Carmen Sandiego. She extended this creativity to Elliott, crafting memorable costumes like Neo from The Matrix, Spaceman Spiff from Calvin and Hobbes, and Charmander from Pokemon.
A Legacy of Love and Partnership
Midge shared a 34-year marriage with her husband, Kevin, built on a foundation of mutual respect, support, and unwavering love. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, creativity, and genuine partnership. She was known for her strength, openness, and willingness to listen and learn from others.
Those who knew her remember someone who truly lived life to the fullest—someone who danced, created, learned, loved, and never stopped growing until Alzheimer’s slowly diminished those abilities.
Midge is survived by her devoted husband, Kevin; her son, Elliott; and her brothers, Steve, Dave, and Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kate. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 3446 Ribiero Lane, Arcata, CA at 3pm PST.
