ANNE-MARIE BROWNELL

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ANNE-MARIE BROWNELL It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and cherished friend to many, Anne-Marie Brownell. She died peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at the Health Sciences Centre Women's Pavilion, Winnipeg, after a short battle with cancer. Born and raised in St. Lambert, a suburb of Montreal, Anne-Marie graduated from Sir George Williams University with a B.A. in English and earned a B.A. in French from Concordia. She subsequently worked as a teacher in Chambly, PQ and later in Montreal. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Dr. Edward G. (Ted) Brownell, and also by Robert Church, the father of her three daughters. Anne-Marie is survived by her much loved children: Gillian (Mark) Wight (Miranda, Casey, Hilary); Dr. Kate Church and Dr. Steve Winn (Jacob, Adam); Reth Church (Joseph, Emily-Rose, Romney) and also by her stepchildren: Dr. Lawrence Brownell (Heather) and twins Signy and Jon; Alix (Gary) Jackson (Lauren, Cameron (son Ezekiel) and Morgan) and Gary's mother, Kate, more a friend than a relative. Ted and Anne-Marie married in Toronto in November 1982, and she joined him in Winnipeg on New Year's Day of 1983, only to decamp six months later to England, where they spent a year while Ted was on sabbatical. On returning permanently home , Anne-Marie became involved in and was an active supporter of many Winnipeg organizations, and a valued volunteer on committees including the Black and White Ball for the Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Manitoba Opera Gala, and the Women's Post-Treatment Centre, now known as Laurel Centre. The Variety Club, the Winnipeg S.D. English as an Additional Language Program , and the Board of the Women's Musical Club also benefited greatly from her commitment. In addition, she was active as a Real Estate Agent for Banfield-MacFarlane from 1984 to 1990. As an adventurous and frequent world-traveler, she was a member of the Circumnavigators Club of New York. As a passionate supporter of music in our city, she participated in choirs at St. Andrews River Heights United Church and Women of Note , and her love of art was evident, not only in her frequent attendance at public and private galleries, but also in her constantly enriched art collection. A keen golfer, AnneMarie combined exercise, socialization and community service as President of the Alloys at the Niakwa Golf and Country Club. She was a marvelous host, and at many gatherings on various occasions at her home, people met, networked and enjoyed fine food and wines, along with the company of her omnipresent cats, whom she dearly loved. Special thanks to Pam Simmons for her support and to Annie and Steven for their devotion to Anne-Marie. Grateful thanks to staff on the 5th Floor Women's Pavilion for their attention and care. A funeral service will be held at the St. Andrew's River Heights United Church on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Donations in Anne-Marie's memory may be sent to the Kidney Foundation of Manitoba or any of the charities mentioned above that Anne-Marie supported. Say not in grief that she is no more, but in thankfulness that she was. (517)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2011