Kelly Ann Brown was born November 10, 1965, in Washington, D.C. She died on November 28, 2009 in Los Angeles after a long illness.

Kelly was raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Eagle Rock High School. Her network of friends was extensive and close-knit, with many involved in DeMolay. Kelly was an accomplished athlete, competing in swim meets for Eagle Rock, riding horses, and becoming a black diamond skier. She was an outstanding and passionate cook, holding large dinner parties for family and friends. She also had a lifelong interest in art history.

Kelly attended Santa Monica College and Loyola Marymount University. She worked as a political consultant for ballot initiative campaigns for a Santa Monica company for twenty years. One initiative led to the passage of an Arizona law establishing a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Kelly was the beloved daughter of Katy Jo Steward and Steve Paschall of Vashon, Wash. She is also survived by her brother David, her grandmother Patsy Brown, of Los Angeles, her aunt Patricia Steward, of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, her aunts and uncles Ginger and Gary Brown, Carol and David Brown, and Donna and Steve Brown, of Los Angeles, and many cousins and friends.

She is sorely missed and deeply loved. Kelly inspired us to forgive always and love completely. Kelly’s light lives on in those of us who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on December 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 16100 115th Ave. SW, Vashon Island, Washington.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Vashon Youth and Family Services, P.O. Box 237, Vashon Island, Wash., 98070