Kimberley Brown passed away in Reno, Nevada, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after a brief illness. Kim was born on September 14, 1947, in Susanville, California, to Curt and Eleanor (Manfredini) Brown. Kim grew up in Susanville attending local schools, graduating from Lassen High School in 1965. She then attended Santa Rosa Junior College earning an Associate of Arts Degree, and Humboldt State College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in physical education.
Kim moved to Laton, California for her first and only teaching job at Laton High School. She started her career as a P. E. instructor. She also taught Computer Science and served as the Athletic Director. When she first arrived at Laton, the school only offered intramural sports for female students. Kim convinced the Board of the need for a better program and was able to introduce Laton’s female athletes into the Central Section of the CIF. Kim coached tennis, volleyball, basketball and became the first female Athletic Director in the Central Division of the CIF. She went on to serve on the State CIF Board. She retired in 2004.
While working in Laton, Kim would return to Susanville each summer to work with her mom and dad in their large property (nearly 3 acres). Kim and her mom took many wonderful trips during her summer breaks, venturing to Italy and Switzerland to visit family and exploring locations around the United States.
After retirement, Kim moved back to Susanville, into the family home. She had planned for the easy life of working in her yard, quilting and caring for her house plants and a cat or two. NOT! When called, Kim answered. Serving on the Lassen County Grand Jury, the Lassen-Plumas-Sierra Community Action Agency; helped with the Catholic Church Care and Share and St. Patrick’s Day dinner, the Lassen County Humane Society Garage Sale, the Issac Roop Third Grade History Day, and was a Senior Project Judge. Kim handmade 50 children’s hats a year for the Salvation Army. Kim was on the Board of the Lassen High School Alumni Association for 21 years, serving as Vice President and President. She was recognized by the association as co-Alumni of the Year in 2025.
Kim was a dear friend to family, friends and neighbors. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Leah and Richard Gorbet, and her niece Rachel Gorbet, all of Reno. Please make memorial donations to the Lassen Humane Society or the Lassen High School Alumni Association.
A potluck celebration of life will be held at the Susanville Senior Center on March 20, 2026, at 11:00. Please bring your favorite dish and memories to share.
