VELVETINA (NORA, NORRIE) BROWNE

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VELVETINA (NORA, NORRIE) BROWNE Velvetina passed away peacefully at the Concordia Hospital on July 22, 2009 with family at her side. She is survived by her three children Lolita Benskin (Byron) of Montreal, Lionel Hinds (Kim) and J. Wendy Browne of Winnipeg; grandchildren Tyrone, Beverly, Neil, Ian, Michelle, Jason, Ebbonnie, Chas and Chenelle; great-grandchildren Chris, Kaya, Samuel, Matthew, Marshall, Riley, Nathanial, Noah, Hope, Jaymar, Tremain, Alandra and Letisha; brother Clarence Layne of Barbados and several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, and cousins. Velvetina Browne was born on September 13, 1919 in Christ Church, Barbados, WI. She immigrated to England where she worked at Ham Green Hospital. In 1969 Velvetina immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba where she worked at Victoria General Hospital until she retired in 1984. Velvetina prided herself on being an independent woman, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and a cherished friend. She was wise, caring, and a confidante to many and above all a God fearing woman. Velvetina never failed to put God first. She allowed services to be held in her home until a building could be found for her church, and then remained a member of that church for 40 years under the pastorate of Rev. H. C. Heaslip. She was a praying woman that always had a comforting scripture to offer. Velvetina also championed young people. She opened her doors and her arms to those in need. Through her unfailing persuasiveness, in her eighties, she was a participant in the youth fundraiser walkathon, Sheaves for Christ, and held the number one spot in her district for seven years. Velvetina was also involved in the Barbados Association of Winnipeg for many years and remained an honourary member. She loved to cook, crochet, and sew. It was a rare moment to see her without one of her many hats. The family would like to thank all those who visited, telephoned, sent cards, flowers and offered up prayers during her short stay in the hospital, also to the many wonderful caring staff at the Concordia. Weep not over this empty shell; it has lived its life quite well The time has come for my spirit to go, residing in this body no more. Tears and gloom let there be none, my journey home has just begun So friends and love ones weep not for me, my soul has been set free. So rejoice with me one and all, for I go in answer to the Master's call. A public viewing will be held on Friday, July 31, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. A celebration in honour of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. where she will be laid to rest with her husband Kenneth Dawson Browne, deceased 1985. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2009