Karen Stanley Brown, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Livonia, MI. She was born on August 13, 1941, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Harry and Judy (Robbins) Stanley.

In 1997, Karen married Paul Brown in Ypsilanti, MI, beginning a loving partnership grounded in shared values, curiosity, and mutual support.

A lifelong scholar and dedicated educator, Karen served with distinction as the Head of the Psychology and Social Science Department at Marygrove College in Detroit for 24 years, where she mentored countless students and was deeply respected by colleagues for her intellect, compassion, and leadership.

Outside of her professional life, Karen found joy in Scandinavian and contra dancing, bird watching, and traveling. She cherished time spent with her family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom were enriched by her warmth, insight, and generous spirit.

Karen is survived by her husband, Paul T. Brown, along with many loving family members, dear friends, and former students whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, her uncle and aunt Joseph and Emilie Robbins, and first cousin Joann Guild.

In keeping with her enduring commitment to education, Karen generously donated her body to science at the University of Michigan. In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marygrove Conservancy , Michigan Medicine , Angela Hospice or the Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance (AACTMAD) .