Rae Ann (Lenza) Brown

Rae Ann Brown, a spirited soul who weaved passion and creativity into the tapestry of her life, has completed her earthly journey. Born in November 1947, La Porte, Indiana, welcomed Rae Ann into its embrace. On February 6, 2026, in the warmth of The Center for Hospice Care (Raclin House) in Mishawaka, Indiana, Rae Ann passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer.

Rae Ann's life was a vibrant quilt of experiences and accomplishments. A proud graduate of Saint Mary's School of Nursing in Milwaukee, she donned her nurse's cap and dedicated several years to nurturing patients back to health at La Porte Hospital on "E" Street. Later in life, she also became a Certified Master Gardener through Purdue University North Central.

After her stint in nursing, Rae Ann held several jobs within her community. To name a few, she was a familiar face at the Body Boutique on Lincolnway and soon after in the same location at Merle Norman, she greeted customers at the reception desk. At La Porte's own Beauty School, she enjoyed assisting both staff and students.

Later in life, Rae Ann found inspiration on the shores of Lake Michigan. There, she collected driftwood, transforming it into art and sculpture. This art, recently sold and showcased at The Hidden Gem in New Buffalo, Michigan, proved that one person's beach debris could be another's mantelpiece-masterpiece.

Rae Ann's spirit was as untamed as her gardens, and her creativity boundless. She was a master at turning the mundane into the magnificent, whether it was through her driftwood art, her pride in her Italian heritage or her ability to make even the most stubborn of plants bloom and grow.

Though her passport was well-stamped, Rae Ann's greatest journey was through life itself. She traveled through it with much enthusiasm. Collecting memories with friends and family while leaving many smiles in her wake. Through the years her many beloved pets were fortunate to know her boundless love and affection.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with her husband of 55 years Roger Brown, daughter Kelly Boston, son-in-law Jeremy Boston and her grandchildren, Campbell and Mase Boston; who each carry on her legacy of passion and artistry in their own unique way.

Rae Ann's light will continue to shine in the stories shared, the gardens blooming, and the art that adorns the walls of those who knew her. Her life was a masterclass in living fully, loudly, and loving deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte County Animal Control & The Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2588 IN-2, La Porte, Indiana 46350 or The Ernestine M. Raclin House, Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Rae Ann’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rae Ann (Lenza) Brown, please visit our floral store.