AGNES BROWN (PARASHIN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

AGNES BROWN (nee PARASHIN) Mrs. Agnes Brown of Lethbridge formerly of Winnipeg, beloved wife of the late Laurie H. Brown, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness, on Monday, May 5, 2008 at the age of 92 years. Agnes is survived by her son John Gregory (Hilda) Brown; four grandchildren Richard, Carolyn (Randall), Stephen (Lindsay) and John; as well as nieces, nephews and their families; her sister-in-law Millie Parashin and very special friends Betty MacFarlane and Laverne Orford. Besides her beloved husband Laurie, Agnes was predeceased by her parents Gregory and Catherine (nee Twerdochlib) Parashin, daughter Catherine Alice Brown in 1964 at age 12, brother Paul (Millie) Parashin and sister Mary (Sam) Aboud. Agnes was born in Winnipeg in 1915. She attended school in North Winnipeg, leaving her high school studies to care for her mother until her mother's passing. Following this Agnes agreed to continue to care for the family home for her father's sake. She later met and married Laurie, a good upright and hardworking man from Winnipeg. Together they had two, much loved children Johnny and Cathy. Sadly they lost their beloved daughter to cancer in 1964. Agnes' focus in life was to be the best wife, mother and homemaker that she could be, and she was, in spite of a chronic back condition that she endured for many years. Agnes welcomed her elderly father into their home where he stayed until the end of his life. In her 70's Agnes tried to care for her father-in-law in her home but was unable to because of her age and lack of strength. She truly lived out the fifth commandment: Honor thy Father and Mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Agnes lived in, and maintained her own home until she was in her mid eighties, at the same time also keeping an amazing garden. When her health began to fail, she came to live with her son John and his family for a while in Winnipeg and then in Lethbridge where she lived comfortably until she was 92 years. The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Josie Franco, her most excellent care giver who lived with us in Lethbridge for the last three years. We believe she was handpicked by God. Agnes then fell, and because of injuries to her back, she spent the last year of her life in a personal care home. She bore her pain very well even to the end of her days, but she can look forward to this, after Jesus comes back to the earth. Revelations 21:4 promises that God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. Agnes loved to sew and made lovely things for her family and friends. She was a skilled gardener, like her mother and was so generous with her harvest. Agnes expressed her artistic side with her love for ceramics. She was a welcoming hostess and an excellent cook, so we all loved our family gatherings over dinner. Her grandchildren were always gifted with her homemade cookies and cakes. She fed the hungry and gave to the poor. If her husband were still alive, he would dedicate Proverbs 31:10-31 to his beloved wife, so we shall do it on his behalf. We shall miss her terribly, but she has a great future and great hopes as promised in John 14:1-3. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m on Monday, May 12, 2008 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, with Reception and Interment to follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Lethbridge Chapter, #402, 740 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd. 1-800-382-2901.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2008