Nancy Jean Brown

Nancy Jean Brown, lovingly known as Mom and Nana, passed away peacefully in her home, on January 26, 2026, at the age of 73. She was born in Joplin, Missouri, and lived a life defined by kindness, selflessness, and unwavering love for her family. She is survived by her son Dan Brown, daughter Mandy Montgomery, sisters Marsha (Rob) Finch and Linda Turner, brother Dave Pennock Jr. as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her Parents Dave and Helen Pennock and husband Terry Brown.

Nancy, a proud member of the 1st graduating class at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, was the devoted wife of Terry Brown, whom she married on May 8, 1971. They shared 50 years of marriage before his passing and built a beautiful life together, raising their two children in Olathe, Kansas. Nancy, a deeply loving mother to Mandy Montgomery (Brown) and Dan Brown, was able to stay home and raise them until she went back to work for the Olathe School District where she retired in 2008. She is endlessly proud of both her children and all they accomplished throughout their lives.

Another title she wore proudly was being Nana to her grandchildren: Peyton Brown, her only granddaughter, along with grandsons Chance Brown, Colby Brown, and Declan Montgomery. Being a Nana was one of Nancy’s greatest joys. She rarely missed a game, concert or school program and especially loved watching her grandchildren play sports , particularly soccer, cheering them on with such pride and joy. She took care of her grandchildren until the very day she passed, giving endlessly and selflessly of herself without hesitation or expectation—simply because that was who she was.

Nancy found beauty in the small, meaningful things: the changing leaves in the fall, music that lifted the soul, butterflies, rainbows, happy faces, and sunsets. She was a lover of sunsets and would always excitedly point them out, often pausing to admire how beautiful they were and making sure everyone around her noticed too. She loved inspirational songs and quotes, always looking for the positive and encouraging those around her to do the same. She enjoyed playing solitaire on her phone, watching shows (especially game shows), or games with her family, and sharing quiet moments together.

She was also an avid Kansas City sports fan and rarely missed a game, whether watching on television or attending in person. She was a passionate fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, and KU basketball, cheering faithfully through every season.

Nancy expressed her love through constant presence, thoughtful gifts, and carefully chosen cards for every occasion—each one a reflection of how deeply she cared. Her spirit was gentle, kind, and loving, and her generosity touched everyone who knew her.

She also had a deep love for dogs and leaves behind her loyal companion, Jay, who has been by her side for 14 years.

Nancy Jean Brown was truly an amazing woman, mother, and Nana. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the love she gave so freely, and the countless memories she leaves behind. She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel. Following the service, her family will receive guests for a visitation until 6:30pm.

To leave a special message for her family or to share a memory of Nancy, please visit the guestbook below.