Margaret BROWN

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BROWN: December 4, 1919 – July 19, 2015. It is with great sadness and fond memories that we announce the passing of Margaret (Ede) Brown on Sunday July 19; she passed away peacefully with family by her side. Margaret was born at Levine, MB (S.E of Rivers, MB) on Dec. 4, 1919, the eldest daughter of a family of six to William and Margaret (Sutherland) Ede. Margaret got her education at Robinville School and when finished her formal education, she worked outside the home for various families in the area who needed her services. She was always willing to help with the inside and outside chores. One of her jobs, eventually led her to the Pettapiece area (N.E. of Rivers, MB) where she worked for the John Brown family. It was during this time that she met one of “the Brown boys”, Hirum Joshua. They were married on January 17, 1944 in Brandon, Manitoba at the Anglican Church manse. Margaret and Josh started married life together farming at Pettapiece, with Josh's brothers. When Lake Wahtopanah was developed, the Brown family lost many acres due to this expansion & were forced to move to new farms. Margaret and Josh moved in 1951 to S.E. 14-13-22 in the district of Oak River, MB, where they farmed together and raised a family of three: Wesley, Sandra Davis and Dale (Donna). Margaret had five grandchildren: Shawn (Carrie) Davis, Tammy Davis, Erin Brown, Amanda (Ian) Brown, Ryan (Holly) Brown. Margaret loved being a farmer's wife, it was very difficult, but she never shied away from any task. She worked hard in the home, caring for her children, cooking, cleaning, sewing and gardening. She actively worked along side Josh as an equal partner on the farm, where she milked the cows, raised calves, chickens, pigs and geese. She helped in the fields as well with planting and harvesting the crops. Her favorite place to be, weather permitting, was outdoors by far, where she would most likely be found in her garden. Under her amazing “green thumb”, her flowers and vegetables thrived. Her hobbies included: bird watching and feeding, reading, puzzles, word searches, handi-work, cards, crokinole, old time music and journals filled with weather and tips for housewives. Margaret was a great supporter of her children and grandchildren's activities. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Community was very important to Margaret, where she was involved with the W.I. and various rink activities. Margaret and Josh were able to get off the farm a few times where they traveled to the west coast, went on Sunday drives, had picnics and visited many family and friends. In 1969 a tragic accident took the life of their oldest son Wes, and their lives were forever changed. In 1983, due to health reasons, Josh moved into Birch Lodge Personal Care Home in Hamiota, MB, where he lived until his death in 1989. In 1984, Margaret moved into a house in Oak River, where she lived until she moved to the newly built Oak Dale Place in 1996. Margaret lived in Oak River until 2011, until due to health reasons, she moved to Hamiota into Birch Lodge. Margaret is survived by children Sandra Davis, Dale (Donna) Brown; grandchildren Shawn (Carrie) Davis, Tammy Davis, Erin Brown, Amanda (Ian) Brown, Ryan (Holly) Brown ; sister Jess (Charlie) Bradley; and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Josh Brown; parents William and Margaret Ede; son Wes; parents-in-law John and Annie Brown; sisters Bess Serwonka, Mary Allen, Gert Ede; brother Bill Ede; brothers-in-law Stan Serwonka, Bob Allen, Charlie Bell, David Brown, Selby Brown, Cecil Brown, Ken Brown, Merril Oborne, Ted Wonsmos, Rug Brown, Ruban Brown, Robert Brown; sister- in-law Margaret Bell, Dot Brown, Millie Brown, Martha Brown, Mildred Oborne, Gladys Wonsmos, Rose Brown, Laura Brown. A private family service to celebrate Margaret's life was held on July 28, 2015 at the Pettapiece cemetery. Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiated. Donna and Erin Brown delivered the eulogy. Urnbearer was Ryan Brown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret's memory to the Birch Lodge PCH Activity Fund, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0 or a charity of one's choice. Messages of condolence to Margaret's family can be shared at www.campbellfuneralhome.ca. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the wonderful care Margaret received from the staff at the Hamiota Health Centre, specifically Birch Lodge, during her time living there.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 22, 2015