Maria Menzel-Brown
ANN ARBOR, MI – Maria Josephine “Mia” Menzel-Brown, 65, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away March 3, 2026. She went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She passed peacefully surrounded by family.
Mia was born in Marin County, California, to Barbara Jean and Raymond Menzel and graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of California, Davis, and later completed master’s degrees in photography and art education from Northern Michigan University and the University of Tulsa.
She married Matthew Brown, and together they shared more than three decades of marriage and welcomed their beloved daughter, Josephine.
A creative artist at heart, Mia taught art to high schoolers and later worked with children with special needs. She also worked at Sears and, even while battling illness, ran a pet-care business.
Mia loved serving her community and was a devoted member of Roots Church in Plymouth. Her faith deepened in her final years, and she helped lead her family to Christ.
She enjoyed spending time in nature, staying active at the WCC fitness center, and traveling with her family, who cherish memories of summers in Marquette and trips to Hawaii, California, and China.
Mia will be remembered for her gentle spirit, beautiful smile, joyful laugh, impeccable taste, and determination.
She is survived by her husband Matt; daughter Josie; mother Barbara Jean; brothers Troy and Jeff (Sara); sister Kim; and nieces and nephews Ryan, Carrie, and Collin.
She was preceded in death by her father Ray and brother Mark.
A memorial service will be held later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, or you may honor Mia’s legacy by gardening and hugging your loved ones often.
She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.