ELEANOR ALEXANDER BROWN

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ELEANOR ALEXANDER BROWN Eleanor Brown passed away peacefully, with her family nearby, on July 15, 2017 at the age of 101. Eleanor was predeceased by her adored husband, Fred Brown, and by her beloved sister, Beatrice Mustoe, whom she regarded as her twin despite their two year age difference. Left to mourn Eleanor are her sons Barry and Dennis (Wendy); her grandchildren Carrie (Trevor), Colleen (Grant), Brian, Colin (Nicola) and granddaughter-in-law Shannon; her great-grandchildren Brianna, Madelyn, Preston, Evan and Sage; nephew Jim (Lori); as well as a host of long-time friends, church members, and her community at Dakota House, all of whom will miss her humour, dignity, and undeniable cheerfulness. Eleanor and Beatrice grew up in St. James during the depression and while having very little, as most families of that time, they were loved utterly. Memories of her childhood were filled with family, laughter, and love. Before the war, many happy summers were spent camping at numerous rustic spots on Lake Winnipeg and Lake Malakai, Ontario, either with C.G.I.T. girls, family, or friends. During the war, Eleanor met and married the love of her life, Fred Brown, in 1940 and before long, Barry and Dennis were additions to the family. Eleanor jumped in with both feet as a scout mom when her husband became a scout leader and eventual district commissioner, the perfect boyhood dream for two small boys. Tent pitching, camp fire building, cooking, and all-round nursing became standard practice most weekends and summer holidays for Eleanor. She loved the outdoors, in particular wildflowers, trees, and animals. Eleanor was a stay-at-home mom during the boys' formative years. And then it was off to "travel" the world, a perk when she worked at the Celebrity Box Office at the HBC and attended all the travel lectures that were offered. Eleanor was an accomplished seamstress, and putting her skill to work, she sewed many wedding and bridesmaid dresses to earn a few extra dollars for the household. Eleanor's pleasures were simple but always accomplished. From an early age, she loved to paint in oils, a hobby she continued until her eyesight could no longer focus on the fine detail she demanded of her art. When the family moved to St. Vital, Eleanor put her gardening talents to work, providing glorious colour in the yard and vegetables to feed the neighbourhood. She loved the early fall time and often said, "it's a good time of the year to be hungry". But Eleanor's greatest pleasure was her family. She loved Sunday suppers with family and friends - especially roast beef, and potatoes with extra gravy. It wasn't supper without gravy. She was an attentive grandmother and great-grandmother to all the children. She has had an impact on all who followed her, passing along her love of nature, reading, gardening, painting, and baking. To quote her nephew, she was an amazing role model for living life with energy, compassion, gratitude, and always a great smile. After Fred's death in 1999, Eleanor became more involved with activities at the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church where she cherished a sense of community. To support an aging congregation, a few members met every Friday to fold programs for Sunday service, cleverly calling themselves "The Holy Folders". Once the official duties were completed, it was off to a Smitty's luncheon, something Eleanor enjoyed immensely. At 98, Eleanor was tired of living alone, tired of cooking for one, and just needed more people to talk to, so she moved from her apartment to assisted living at Dakota House. Despite having reservations about not knowing most residents, her magnetic personality immediately shone. Her dining table at Dakota House was full of laughter and discussions about world events. Other residents commented that they wanted to dine at THAT table. Eleanor's cheerfulness and positive outlook on life were cornerstones to her motto of "Strive for better things, but be happy with what you have." Earlier this year, Eleanor was interviewed by The Lance for her resilience and spirited outlook and was quoted, "I try to think positively and show enthusiasm for whatever I'm doing, even if it's boring. I like everybody; people are the highlight of my life." And so her wise lessons continued, in print and to a wider audience. Despite being 101, Eleanor's decline in health was unexpected and sudden, and while her last week was difficult, she managed to charm her nurses and heath care workers. However brief the stay, the family extends heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the St. Boniface Hospital, 4A South who saw to Eleanor's care and comfort. Thanks are also proffered to the Dakota House staff who made her final years a joy. A celebration of Eleanor's life will be held on July 28, 2017, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue at 2:00 p.m. Cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Eleanor's favourite charities: the Salvation Army, the Winnipeg Humane Society, or the ALS Society of Manitoba. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2017