Carmela Margaret Brown

Carmela Margaret “Cookie” (Romeo) Brown passed away Saturday, June 29th, at the age of 85.  She was born in Des Moines on July 7th, 1938 to Joseph and Yolanda (Gazzo) Romeo, and baptized as a Roman Catholic.

Carmela was the oldest of seven children and proudly grew up in the Italian-American community.  She served as the student body president and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, and faithfully attended Catholic mass throughout her life.  She was a member of St. Pius X for over 50 years.

Carmela was incredibly proud of her children, John R. Brown III and Kathie (Brown) Reis. She cherished their decisions to plant roots in the Des Moines area, and was grateful all the children were nearby.  At home she was often found reading, enjoying her Siamese cats, as well as listening to music while she meticulously cleaned her home till late hours of the evening. Carmela was quite the night owl and was always available for late night conversations and advice with anyone who needed counsel.  The grandchildren loved spending the night at Nana’s house and could count on Eggo waffles around the clock. The kitchen toaster was never closed.

Carmela’s career started in banking prior to her long, successful career as the Vice President of Corporate and Government Relations at Mercy Medical Center.  In her role, Cookie’s style, intellect, love of people, friendly smile, and expertise in the area of healthcare made her a truly impactful lobbyist at both the Iowa State Capitol and in Washington, D.C.

On July 21st, 1984, Carmela married the love of her life, Mike Carver.  Carmela and Mike truly made their Urbandale house a home and took great pleasure in hosting regular gatherings, especially around Christmas and the 4th of July. Cookie, a lifelong Democrat, and Mike, a lifelong Republican, taught their children and countless others how a loving couple can have spirited debates and disagreements about a wide variety of topics, but agree on the most important things in life: Faith, Family, Love and Service to others.

In addition to her passions of faith, politics and family, Cookie encouraged women to be strong and ambitious, whether in the workplace, home, or their communities.  She surrounded herself with both friends and family who epitomized these qualities. Carmela was most proud of her vital role in the foundation and funding of The House of Mercy, Iowa’s largest program for women and children. The Des Moines Business Record recognized Carmela as a Woman of Influence in 2012, while the Catholic Health Association of the United States honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.  In addition to these honors, Cookie sat on numerous boards and actively participated on both the Des Moines and Urbandale Chambers of Commerce over the years to promote Central Iowa.

Carmela was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Romeo, her mother, Yolanda (Gazzo) Dean, and her step-father, Sam Dean.

Carmela is survived by her loving husband, Mike Carver; son, John (Nancy) Brown III, and daughter, Kathie (Rod) Reis; step-children, Dr. Melinda (Jonathan) Hansen, Matt (Lilliana) Carver, Tim (Darci) Carver, and Liz (Chris) Nelson; sisters, Kathie Lyman, Betty (John) Beal, and Juliet (John) Bascom; brothers, Joe (Nancy Williams) Romeo, Steven (Nicci) Dean, Scott (Debbie) Dean; three grandsons, Andrew (Sheldon) Brown, Jason (Lilli) Brown and George Reis; one granddaughter, Abby Reis; Step-granddaughters, Jessi (Carver)(Joseph) Kelly, Maddie (Carver)(Cade) Friedrichsen, Gaby Hansen, Katie Carver, Lily Nelson, and Nora Hansen; Step-grandsons, Max Carver, Jack Nelson, Sam Hansen, Gabe Carver, and Rockne Carver; three step-great-grandchildren, Elle and Ezra Kelly, and Tate Friedrichsen.

Funeral mass will be at St. Pius X Catholic Church 3663 66th Street, Urbandale, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11 AM, with visitation immediately prior to the mass at 10 AM.

Memorial contributions may be directed to MercyOne House of Mercy or St. Pius X Church. Online condolences can be made to the family at caldwellparrish.com.