In loving memory ~ Edna Doreen Brown (nee Baumbrough) passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 26th, 2024. She was just 6 weeks shy of celebrating her 100th birthday, which would have been on August 8th. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 56 years, Al Brown.
She lived the majority of her adult life in Chemainus on Vancouver Island, B.C. and moved back to her birthplace of Vernon, B.
C. in 2016. She will be remembered by many for having lived a long, disciplined, and pragmatic life.
She very much valued her community, friends, and family. Edna believed strongly in the value of service, spending countless hours volunteering, donating financially to many causes, and also quietly, and often anonymously, helping others in a variety of ways. She was a committed volunteer for the Chemainus Thrift Shop Health Care Auxiliary.
At the time of her passing, she had been an Auxiliary member for 73 years - the longest of any of the Auxiliary's current members. She and Al had a full social life, including hosting regular dinner parties. Edna was a diligent letter-writer.
At 80 years of age, as her arthritic hands made writing more difficult, Edna learned how to use a computer so that she could stay in touch with friends using email. Edna's teaching career began in Grand Forks, where she taught for two years prior to moving to Langley, where she taught for a further two years. Then, after marrying Al and moving to Chemainus, she enjoyed a decades-long career as a substitute teacher of various subjects.
Long into her retirement, Edna would, with joyful pride, reminisce about teaching a shop class of Senior boys. She was renowned for her beautiful garden and was much appreciated by many for her willingness to share her knowledge of gardening. She was an active member of the Chemainus Communities in Bloom, contributing both her expertise and many hours of physical labour.
Edna continued to garden well into her '90s, then only needing a little help with the heavy lifting. Edna believed in daily exercise and being active. During the summer months, she and Al frequented Fuller Lake Park for a tennis match and a swim.
Some of us who stayed with her in Chemainus recall being summoned to join her on her daily 5 am walk. Edna was an enthusiastic Bridge player who enjoyed the competition, even during her winter Mexican holidays. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Mariten Virgo for embracing Edna into her family and providing such exemplary care in the last 18 months.
By her request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in her memory. Should you wish to, please share any memories, stories, or photos of Edna at www.
pleasantvalleyfh.com, beneath her obituary..
