Buddy Brown

Buddy Lee Brown, 73, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away May 13, 2026, at her home, in the care of her loving family. She was born on February 19, 1953, daughter of the late Arthur E. Fleetwood and Judy Lee Fleetwood. She attended Benzie Central High School and later Central Michigan University.

On March 18, 1972, Buddy married the love of her life, Donald Scott Brown. Together they shared over 54 years of love and friendship. Don and Buddy were inseparable whether they were out having fun or working together at the restaurants. Don showed the true meaning of “for better or worse” after her stroke. He never left her side for the last 17 years and she knew she would always be his “little baby” as Don would say. The love and laughter did not end when she had the stroke. Don was always able to understand exactly what she was saying or needed. She still knew how to make everyone laugh even with her limited speech.

Buddy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Through the years she was known for her cooking and enjoyed meals spent in the company of family and good friends. Buddy was an entrepreneur and former owner of various restaurants in the area, including Bud’s Bar establishments and Z Cafe. Anyone who knew Buddy knew she had a personality that could light up a room with a perfectly timed sense of humor. After her stroke for communication purposes she was never afraid to flash “the bird” (especially at her son-in-law Andy) when the moment called for it — usually followed by laughter from everyone around her. Her kitchen was always full, and so was her heart; she never let anyone leave hungry, insisting everyone take another helping even when she wouldn’t eat much herself. She especially loved cooking with her daughter, Kim, passing along family recipes, little kitchen tricks, and the joy that came with hosting everyone she loved. Buddy also had a fiercely competitive side. Whether it was a game of Gin rummy, Cribbage or even the impossible challenge of trying to pry open her left fist — a game no one ever seemed to win.

She held a great love for her numerous pets who played a special role in Buddy's life, especially her current pets Duck (Yellow Lab), Goose (Basset Hound), and their one-year-old cat, Henry.

She was an avid reader and card player and especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren's hockey, baseball, and softball games. Despite the stroke, she never missed a single game. Her grandkids were the light of her life, and she was always there to cheer them on.

She is survived by her husband, Don Brown of Kalamazoo; her children, Donnie (Julie) Brown of Mattawan and Kim (Andy) Cavanaugh of Mattawan; four grandchildren, Nick and Mattie Brown, Joey and Jordyn Cavanaugh; as well as countless other family members. Buddy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur E. Fleetwood and Judy Lee Fleetwood, and her in-laws, Donald M. Brown and M. Lorraine Brown.

The family has chosen to hold a private memorial service.

Nice Whoa (as Buddy would say).

Celebrate Buddy’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Western Michigan University Aphasia Communication Enhancement Program.