Obituary of Marian Brown

Bernice Brown passed away at the Maidstone Health Complex on Monday, December 23, 2013 at the age of 72 years. Bernice leaves to mourn her passing: her daughter, Joyce (Dean) Grosenick; her son, Dave (Magie) Brown; three grandchildren, Serena, Shaelyn and David Brown. Donations in memory of Bernice may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Marian "Bernice" Brown was born on November 15, 1941, on the family farm in the Freemont district to Clarence and Sophie McCabe. She was the fifth child born in the family of nine; having 3 older brothers: Cecil, Vernon, and Ronald, and older sister Ila; then followed by 4 younger sisters: Beatrice, Eileen, Doreen, and Darlene. After her brothers had left home, she helped with the farm chores as well as the household jobs. Her Dad gave her the nickname "Tug" for her strength and toughness. Upon completing all her schooling, grades 1-9, at Mount Ethel country school, she then "worked out" for other families as a housekeeper. In 1961, Bernice married Jack Brown, taking over the farm north of Freemont from Jack's parents. Their family was blessed with a daughter, Joyce, and a son, Dave. She kept a tidy farm house; updating with fresh paint and putting up mac-tac in the kitchen. The garden vegetables were frozen or canned. After butchering the chickens, the birds were also put in the freezer or canned. At haying time, she could toss the bales around and throw them up to the top row on the truck. Her job at harvest time was trucking the grain from the field to the granary. Her sporting endeavors included fastball, curling, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and bowling. Card games with neighbors, friends, and family made an evening of entertainment. Bernice always enjoyed any get-togethers and celebrations. She was as tough as any of the guys; challenging anyone to arm and leg wrestling. In the fall of 1990, Jack and Bernice moved into Lloydminster. She was an avid bingo player until the local bingo hall closed down. She decided to go to work full time; working in housekeeping at Lakeland College for the next 16 years. When she gave her retirement notice, the college wanted her to stay on but with turning 66 that year she thought it was time to retire. With her earnings, she was proud to purchase her own new car. She was Grandma's taxi service for Serena's dance classes, Shaelyn's gymnastics, and David's hockey. She had her own table at the restaurant and all the waitresses called her "Mom". Bernice had a straight forward, to the point approach to life; accepting the hand dealt to her and coping the best she could. Her life-long strength and courage carried her through to her last day. You will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Bernice.