Obituary of Gwen Brown

 We are saddened to announce the death of Gwendolyn Delaine Brown. Predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Gerald Brown; she is survived by her devoted daughters Michael Melville (Jim), Sherri “Jo” Brown (Les Krentz) and her loving son Cameron Brown (Maria); grandchildren Jamie Warrack (Rory Ollenberger), Robyn Doyon (Stéphane), Derek Warrack (Devon), Joshua Krentz, Landon Krentz, Natalie Brown and two great grandchildren: Hudson Ollenberger and Noah Doyon.  Her sisters Janet Langil (Norman) and Sharyn Halvorsen, sister-in-law Sylvia Peters (Don) and numerous cousins, most favorably  Darlene Wilson and Trudy Monroe.

Gwen and Ken loved the time they spent with friends and family. When anyone arrived at their home the cards came out for hours of whist, crib or canasta. In later years tile rummy became a favourite. Unlike Ken, Gwen didn’t care if she won or lost, she simply cherished the time around the table with those she loved.

Gwen was happiest outdoors – an avid gardener, she didn’t have just a green thumb – all her digits were green. One of her favourite activities was to go “greenhousing” with her daughters.

 She had an amazing tea rose garden in Esterhazy that thrived under her care.  In the winter she had as many plants indoors – much to her husband’s chagrin.

Gwen was a cat whisperer, a dog whisperer, a goat whisperer, a sheep whisperer, a horse whisperer – there wasn’t anything with four legs that she couldn’t tame and befriend.  But it was felines that held the most precious place in her heart and she shared that her beloved cat “Bailey” saved her life after her husband died.

Gwen was a woman of style and beauty – both physically and in her home.  She loved to decorate her home for the holidays.  She was a lifelong collector of antiques, china and pretty things.

Gwen was a loyal friend.  If you had the privilege of occupying a room in her heart – you were a lifer.  She cherished her friendships and is predeceased by Joe and Irene Martin (Radville); Neil and Audrey Windjack (Bengough); and is survived by Joan Bramall (Assiniboia); Thelma Sundahl (Assiniboia); Ruth Malo (Vegreville); Liz Nakoneshny (Regina) and Marie Beno (Toronto).  Her sister-in-law Sylvia, cousin Darlene, and Joan Bramall were of tremendous support to Gwen after her husband died.

A pragmatic woman, she did not coddle her children but she stated she wanted to raise independent and responsible individuals – to which she succeeded in this endeavour.

Gwen was principled, disciplined, organized, hard working and had a degree in common sense.  She taught her children to be respectful of animals and the environment.  She taught her children to set a “proper” table and to eat properly with utensils.  She taught them to be frugal and not wasteful.  She taught them to take responsibility at a very early age and to “do the job right the first time or don’t do it at all.”  She also taught them to always save a “good box.”

Like her husband, Gwen met her diagnosis of cancer with quiet resolve.  She did not complain – not once; made it clear she wanted only interventions that would facilitate comfort.  She was quietly courageous as she accepted her fate.  The final lesson taught was how to die with dignity and grace.

Gwen requested her ashes be buried with her parents at the Emmanuel Prairie Gardens near Congress.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Donations in Gwen’s memory to the Canadian Wildlife Fund, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, Ontario, K2M 2W1 or the Regina Humane Society, Box 3143, Regina, SK, S4P 3G7 would be greatly appreciated.