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DONNA ANN BROWNRIDGE
Born: Oct 29, 1952
Date of Passing: Dec 18, 2020
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DONNA ANN BROWNRIDGE
October 29, 1952 - December 18, 2020
She was a gifted sports women competing at the highest levels, in her two chosen sports - golf and curling. She won one national championship, playing third on Manitoba's 1971 gold medal winning curling team at the Canada Winter Games in Saskatoon. In 1980 she skipped her team to a Manitoba championship competing as one of the favorite teams to win at the Canadian Curling Championship in Edmonton. During the latter years, there were many bonspiel and cash bonspiel wins against Manitoba's elite female curlers.
With the arrival of son Michael in 1980 and daughter Jennifer in 1983, she became a casual curler, and a stay at home mom in order to devote her time to raising her two beautiful kids during their preschool years. By the time both kids were in grade school, she was in law school at the University of Manitoba graduating in 1993. She was always a marvel during those years balancing family responsibilities and earning a law degree with above average grades. After 13 years of practicing civil litigation law, and correctly ignoring already retired husband Al's request to be kept man, retirement beckoned, and a little more time to play golf.
She became a member of Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in 1973 joining husband Al, a member since 1966. It is difficult to understate the pleasure, both Donna and Al derived both from playing such a wonderful golf course, and from years of comraderie with lifelong friends and fellow members. Donna always had a sense of wanting to give something back to Elmhurst. She was active on the Board for many years, serving as the first, and currently only female club president. Her most significant contribution to Elmhurst was a three year laborious project to write a book celebrating Elmhurst's centennial anniversary in 2014. The book titled "The Home of Champions" chronicled Elmhurst's unique history, and much about the history of golf in Manitoba during the twentieth century. She also played a pretty fair game of golf competing at the highest level as an amateur and senior amateur. She represented Manitoba on thirteen different amateur and senior amateur teams competing in both western Canada matches and national championships.
What mattered most to Donna was family. She was a soulmate to husband Al, and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be missed by her immediate family of Mike and Rose, Jen and Bryan and four beautiful grandchildren, Allison, Cameron, Heath and Sydney.
We will remember her for her sharp intellect, modesty, decency and indominatable spirit. Quite simply, she was the best. You left the party a bit too early DB, but you left having lived a full life with no regrets.
in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Doctors Without Borders (MSF) or Winnipeg's Siloam Mission.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2020
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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So sorry to hear of Donna's passing, my thoughts and prayers Al and family. Fortunate to have spent time with Donna - smart, competitive, caring and thoughtful. Always a pleasure to be around. A remarkable life, well lived. All my best. - Posted by: Derek Ingram (coach / friend) on: Feb 01, 2021
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Dear Alan and Family! So sorry to hear about Donna. Such a kind, nice and loving person! Thank you both for being so kind to me during my time at IG. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time. My deepest condolences to you and your family! - Posted by: Heidi Hantscher (Ex Coworker IG) on: Jan 20, 2021
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I remember Donna as a strong curler, and friend in our late teenage years and after. We met at Rossmere curling club in 1969 and decided to enter a team in the Manitoba Junior Girls' Curling Championships in December of that year. Little did any of us know that it would be the start of a long and successful career for Donna. The team of Maureen Jackson and Chris Pidzarko and myself along with Donna at third would go on to win the Manitoba title as well as the Gold medal in the first ever Canada Winter Games in Saskatoon in 1970. After leaving Winnipeg in 1978, I had the pleasure of competing against Donna in the Canadian Ladies Curling Championships in Prince George, B.C. in 1983. It was fun to recall lots of experiences we had together. She had an elegance and charm about her that made her special. I will remember her fondly. Cathy [Pidzarko] Shaw. - Posted by: Cathy Shaw (friend and curling teammate) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Such a loss. Fond memories of Investors parties. Our hearts go out to Al and family. - Posted by: Judy and Lloyd Scaife (Co-workers at one time) on: Dec 28, 2020
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We are very sorry to hear of Donna's passing... Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time...... Danny & Rhonda - Posted by: Danny & Rhonda White (cousins) on: Dec 26, 2020
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Glenda and I wish to pass our condolences to Al, Michael and Jennifer. We've had fond memories of Donna during our days at Elmhurst and will remember her fondly. - Posted by: Alain & Glenda Deforel (friends) on: Dec 26, 2020
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Our deepest condolences, Donna will be remembered always as remarkable. - Posted by: Lyle & Frederica Anderson (Friends ) on: Dec 25, 2020
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My condolences to Al and Donna’s family. I have fond memories of Nassau matches against Donna and her Nassau teammates. She was always a pleasure to golf with or against and displayed great sportsmanship. - Posted by: Rhonda Orr (Fellow golfer) on: Dec 24, 2020
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Our sincere sympathies Al, Michael and Jennifer. Donna was a wonderful person. She always amazed us as when our sons played baseball together at Gateway, Donna was able to devote herself to attending games while pursuing her education. May your many happy memories help you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Karen and Rick Zurba (Friends ) on: Dec 24, 2020
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My deepest heartfelt condolences to Al and the entire family for your recent loss. Donna was an absolute ‘class act’ both on and off the golf course. She excelled in so many aspects of life and will leave enduring and special memories for all those who were lucky enough to know her. - Posted by: Angela Martens (Friend) on: Dec 23, 2020
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My condolences to Al and family. Strong memories of you and Donna playing golf at Elmhurst as a junior and then assistant golf pro. As I remember, going to your wedding. Donna was an awesome lady. Kevin Snell - Posted by: Kevin Snell (Elmhurst) on: Dec 23, 2020
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My deepest condolences to Al, Mike,Jen and their families!! My prayers are with you during these difficult times. Donna has been a great friend since our junior golf days and I will miss her dearly! I will continue to cherish all my incredible memories of time spent with her, both on and off the course. Til we meet again, my friend, with our foursome of Willie and Judi❤️❤️ Lynda Palahniuk - Posted by: Lynda Palahniuk (long time friend) on: Dec 22, 2020
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Very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your Family. - Posted by: Bob Lavich (Elmhurst fellow Golfer) on: Dec 22, 2020
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Thinking of you all during this difficult time. What an inspirational life story. - Posted by: Kristin ((Friend of Michael and Rose)) on: Dec 22, 2020
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We are so sorry to hear about Donna’s passing, such a talented lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Our condolences to your family also. - Posted by: Pat Rogers and Fred Murray (Ex co worker) on: Dec 22, 2020
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Our condolences, Al, to you and your family on the passing of Donna. She was a kind and gentle woman, and a great golfer! I enjoyed many rounds with her at Elmhurst. I'm sure she is up in heaven playing the game she loved with Judi. She will be missed. - Posted by: Lana Ritchie (Friend) on: Dec 22, 2020
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What a beautiful tribute written for a beautiful soul. Deepest sympathies to the Brownridge family. Praying for you all during these difficult times. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Love, the Palud family xo - Posted by: Trish Palud (Friend to Michael and Rose) on: Dec 22, 2020
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To Al and family. I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your wife Donna. Although I did not know her personally, I know from speaking with you that her illness had been going on for sometime. Your words about her courageous fight and her life accomplishments are truly inspiring. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Paul Kochan - Posted by: Paul Kochan (Colleague) on: Dec 22, 2020
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