Edna Brown

My sympathy to the Brown family, especially my good friend Mark. I remember well the Brown’s in Wallaceburg as neighbours and friends. Those were the good ‘ole days!

My condolences. Edna was a wonderful leader and mentor at Trinity United Church in Wallaceburg. I remember Edna and Vic fondly as well as my time babysitting David, Mark and Robert.

Dear Victor and family. We’re thinking of all family members and those who had the special opportunity to experience Edna’s zest for life and God. Bless her and those she touched. I remember role playing the laughing game with a group she led at the church. It was a hoot and wow what a release of tension. Thinking of all of you and I know God’s comfort will sustain you through these sad times. John and Linda (RUC)

Vic, Dave, Mark and Rob, I send my condolences to you all. Losing your partner or your mother leaves an emptiness that takes time to be transformed into grateful, happy memories. May you find comfort in friends and family and know yourselves deeply loved by Edna and by the Spirit of Life who guided her way.
I’m including some memories that may be more than you were inviting, but since I can’t be at the service to exchange stories, I want to share these ones.
Edna and I met when we were both young women, living in Northern Ontario. We clicked immediately and decided to go together to a counselling conference in Ottawa. Within weeks of meeting, we were in my little Honda, heading for Ottawa. My husband said he could hear us laughing as we drove off. We shared the driving, and were surprised to get a ticket – for driving too slowly! The nice young police officer who pulled us over apologized when she saw that we were from Kirkland Lake. “You’re not used to the big city where the speed limit is 60m/h inside city limits. I’m sorry, but I can’t cancel this ticket once I have written it out.” We drove away laughing at ourselves.
Through the years, Edna and I shared a lot of laughter, tears and questions. We were both very interested in different approaches to “the Spirit of Life,” as Edna taught me to call God. We stayed in touch by cassette tape, phonecalls and email, meeting in person for all-day conversations whenever I was in Ontario. Edna was a spiritual explorer, frequently teaching me new approaches to spiritual life and helping me work through issues in my life. She was trained as a counsellor and I am pretty sure she helped many people, most likely playing it down as just being an active listener or a good friend. She certainly was a good friend to me, and to many.
Although I saw Edna much less frequently in the last few years, she leaves a big hole in my life. I am grateful to have been blessed by her presence.

Edna was a wonderful neighbour and caring member of Riverside United Church. She always had a smile on her face and gave us the best hugs. We would often meet her outside on the way to the mailbox and spend time chatting about family. Torsten and Olivia especially liked getting cards from her in the mail. Even though we will miss Edna very much, we have so many wonderful memories of our time together on Green Lane. Thinking of Edna’s family during this challenging time:)

Scott, Becky, Olivia and Torsten Young

Dear Brown Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She was a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and peace to you all.
Hugs,
Marque Smith
10:30am Director of Music, Riverside United Church