Marie KULLBERG-BROWN

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KULLBERG-BROWN: Marie Ingrid Elizabeth Kullberg- Brown, beloved wife of the late Vernon Orlo Brown, formerly of Riverheights Terrace, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2010 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Marie was born on July 15, 1931 to Nels Sigurd and Anna Elizabeth Kullberg in Brandon, Manitoba. Both of her parents emigrated from Sweden and Marie was very proud of how well they did in establishing themselves in Canada. She grew up in Brandon attending Park and Earl Oxford Schools, St. Michael's Academy and Brandon College. Marie entered nurses' training in the Port Arthur School of Nursing, graduating with her RN in 1955. She worked in several places before going back to university. She then attended the University of Manitoba, where she received her Certificate in Teaching and Supervision in 1958. She taught at the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg for several years before returning to Brandon to "set up house" for her father. Marie took this opportunity to return to school and in 1968 she received her B. Sc. from Brandon University. She accepted a teaching position at the Brandon GeneralSchool of Nursing and remained there serving in several positions, retiring as Assistant Director of Nursing Education in 1996. Marie was very active with the Manitoba Association of Registered Nurses. She served on and chaired several committees. She was elected President of the Westman Region twice. She was a member of the Board and Council. At her retirement, Marie received from M.A.R.N. the Honorary Membership Award. Marie was a member of the International Quota Club of Brandon (a women's service club dedicated to helping the hearing impaired) and was twice elected President. She was also elected Governor of Quota for the Western Region of Canada (District Eleven). Marie was able to travel to many places to attend conferences and conventions, most memorably the convention in Melbourne, Australia. Marie enjoyed working with the community. With Jeanne Flay, Marie enthusiastically took up theatrical makeup application; she would help with makeup for events such as the "Travelers Day Parade", school, university and local theatre performances. Other community endeavors included: serving on the Board for Prairie Oasis Seniors Centre, reading for the CNIB, but the best experience for Marie was being able to sing. She was a member of the Schubert Choir and played a convincing "Duchess of Plaza Tora" in the "Gondoliers". She sang in the junior choir at First Presbyterian Church and continued into the alto section of the senior choir. Her love of music led to a much richer love when she moved to the Terrace, and was encouraged to start a choir. Marie believed for a good choir to be successful, she needed an accompanist. A fellow resident, Vernon "Verne" Orlo Brown, who played for birthdays, seemed a likely candidate; he gladly accepted when asked. Verne, Marie and the choir entertained residents with several concerts. Vern (of the "The Verne Brown Four") and Marie's first "date" was to go to the Remembrance Service in Rivers. On the way home Verne told Marie that the town would be buzzing because he brought a "girl" to the event. Marie asked why? After long talks and musical listening sprees, Verne popped the question to which Marie unhesitatingly said yes. They were married June 22, 2002 and spent the next year travelling and enjoying each others company. Verne had a black cat named "Teema" and it was important that Teema accept Marie. He was a bit snooty for a couple of weeks until he realized that Marie was not a threat. Teema was welcome company and an important part of their lives at the Terrace. Unfortunately Verne passed away in 2003. Marie was ever so thankful to have that short but wonderful time with Verne. The shared talks and ventures were always a good memory. Marie was predeceased by: Verne, June 1, 2003; parents, Anna, December 1950 and Nels, May 16, 1965; brothers, Elmer, June 22, 1944 (WW II) and John "Jack", March 13, 2000. She is survived by: her sister-in-law, Joan D. Kullberg; nephew, Richard (Rhonda); nieces, Melinda in Australia, Diane in Brandon; sister-in-law and brother-in-law,Darlene and Les Taylor of Prince George, BC; brother -in-law Harold Casselman of Winnipeg; nephews-in-law, Jeff (Allyson) Taylor and Kevin (Amber) Taylor all of Prince George, BC; and great nieces and nephews, Ashley, Amber, Alexa, Pam (Mike) McLean and Nicholas; as well as other nieces and nephews on the Casselman side; cousins in Brandon, Calgary and Whitewood (as Marie would say she would not want to omit anybody and hurt their feelings). Also her special friends Shirley Jo Paine, Brian and Laurie Canart, Liz and Cordell Grant and Beryl Truscott as well as many more have helped her live a full life. Cremation has taken place. The Ceremony to Celebrate Marie's Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 339-12th Street, on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:30 pm. Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim will officiate. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Marie to the: Verne and Marie Brown Jazz Scholarship, c/o Brandon University Foundation, 270-18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6A9 or the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, 339-12th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4M3 or the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of one's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 05, 2011