Virginia K. Brown, D.O.

Dr. Virginia Kilmer Brown, D.O., daughter of Horace and Dorothy Brown, sister of Carol Brown Crossman (deceased), born April 29, 1935, died January 12, 2017. Dr. Brown, aka Aunt Ginger, is survived by her nephew, Scott Crossman, and her nieces, Andrea Crossman and Catherine Greenstein, and her close friends. From the time we were children, it was clear that she was someone special. She went to medical school and became a doctor when few women did. She had a thirst for life, a daredevil streak, a wicked sense of humor, and a generous spirit. For her little nephew and nieces, spending time with Aunt Ginger was always the highlight of every trip to Grosse Ile to visit our grandparents. Aunt Ginger thrilled us with bumpy boat rides to Boblo Amusement Park and fast car rides in the jump seat of her coupe. She was larger than life, as were her Great Danes. As we grew older, she became an inspiration and a role model for us to be all that we can be. Dr. Brown was raised on Grosse Ile and lived in Grosse Ile for the rest of her life, while growing a medical career that spanned 53 years, starting with a family practice that earned her many devoted patients and friends. Most of them called her just "Doc." She volunteered in Haiti and Detroit. She was a lifelong learner with a strong work ethic, running a medical clinic in Western Michigan, volunteering and catching up on the latest in medicine right up until her last months. While visiting recently, it became apparent how many nature preservation and animal organizations she contributed to when we discovered a tall pile of calendars from at least 25 different organizations. In her spare time, she loved to scuba dive and travel to places like Key West. Her generous spirit is exemplified especially well by her loyal friends, too many of them to name all, but two of whom were there for her constantly when she was hospitalized for lengthy periods in her last few years, and who took her home and took care of her in her final months. Special thanks to Annie Schneider and Kasey Hershberger who were with her to the end. She lived a wonderful, long life and made a lasting impression on so many of us. She will always be remembered with a smile and sometimes a tear because she is no longer here. Memorial contributions to honor Virginia/Ginger/Doc's life may be made to the Grosse Ile Animal Shelter or to Grosse Ile Rowing Club. www.girowing.com A video tribute will be added after the memorial service, please check back.