Karen H. (Brown) Legree of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Sunday November 22, 2020 after battling Alzheimer’s for several years. She was 85. Karen Brown was born in Long Beach, CA to Dr. Floyd Brown and Ruby Kimball. From a young age, she developed a passion for music, particularly the violin and piano. She was accomplished at both, however her first love was the violin. She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, then went on to earn her music performance and education degrees from University of the Pacific and Stanford University. She taught elementary school in Long Beach and Los Angeles for a few years and also modeled clothing at local department stores. Out of her first marriage came her son William, and the two were inseparable. In 1967, she met her prince, Mr. Homer Legree. Eventually, Homer, Karen, and Bill would move to Michigan where he worked as a professor at Central and Western Michigan Universities, and she began her teaching career in music. Mr. and Mrs. Legree opened a Suzuki violin studio which served 100’s of students in the greater Grand Rapids area. In the mid-70’s, she began teaching music, specifically orchestra in the Kentwood Public Schools. Upon retirement almost 30 years later, Mrs. Legree would be invited to judge music festivals all over the state of Michigan. Her love of music, fashion, charm, wit, and humor were well known amongst many friends. Her favorite places were Interlochen, Southern California, and any fancy department store. Her greatest love however, was her family. She was a fabulous mother and loving wife. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Homer (1994); baby girl Legree (1969); parents Dr. Floyd Brown (1981); Ruby K. Brown (1996); and brother Dr. K. Brown (1996). She is survived by her adoring children: William Heidbreder, Kathryn (Douglas) Legree-Ricker, and Carolyn (Ryan) Legree-St. John. Karen’s cherished her grandchildren; Anna, Jack, Ava Grace, Owen, and Olivia. She held a special place in her heart for Homer’s boys; Steve, Tim, and Jon. Due to Mrs. Legree’s final wishes and a world-wide pandemic, there will be no memorial service. Simply Cremations is in charge of the arrangements. Finally, how did she make a difference in the lives of others? How do you sum up the life of someone in a few paragraphs? Ask the hundreds of students she served and the friends she held dear. They will tell you about their time with Mrs. Legree. There are many humorous stories that involved Mrs. Legree; one in particular stands out. Mrs. Legree loved to go out to eat. When standing in line at restaurants (being very hungry), she would march to the front of the line and say, “I’ve been waiting…do you know who I am?” The frightened hostess would say, “no”, I’m so sorry. Karen would laugh and say, “Well, I’m not really anyone important.” Not true, mom. To us, you were the most important.