Obituary of Ida Brown

The family would like to share some of their special thoughts about Ida. Ida was born on a farm near Fiske, Saskatchewan on January 26, 1926 to John & Ada McLaughlin. Ida moved with her family to the Brightsand Area in 1935. Ida married Irving at the young age of 16 years. They began their married life in a log house on a farm in Brightsand, Saskatchewan. Over the next eight years, Ida and Irving had six sons. Vernon, the second son died shortly after birth. Although the farm life holds many fond memories, it was a struggle and the family moved to Lloydminster in 1950. Ida found life easier and as the boys were becoming older, she went to work at Fisher’s Department Store. She soon became a department head and a buyer. Ida enjoyed working, traveling and meeting new people. Ida took a leave of absence when her son Dennis, was lost in a car accident. She spent her time helping the family come to grips with their loss and nursing a critically injured Leon back to health. Ida’s strength got her family through this tough period. Ida went back to the work she enjoyed until she and Irving retired. After retirement, they enjoyed spending their summers in their trailer at Loon Lake. The grandchildren often spent time with them. Ida and Irving enjoyed having time with kids and the kids still have fond memories of fishing with Grandpa and helping Grandma build and care for the camp fire. Ida spent her free time following her passions. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing and making scenic bunka pictures. Her sons and grandchildren have scenic pictures on their walls, afghans on their beds, and dolls with designer wardrobes store in safe places. Ida loved to garden. She didn’t just have a green thumb; she had two green thumbs and eight green fingers as well. Her garden was the envy of many. However, she willingly shared what she grew and preserved. In this way her produce and dilled carrots were enjoyed by the envious. In all ways, Ida was a perfectionist. Anyone, who was lucky enough to have her help paint their home, soon discovered this trait. There were no shortcuts and there was no use arguing about it because Ida was soon proven right. Walls were prewashed, mended, primed, and carefully painted to a standard that felt professionals in awe. We knew if we wanted the job done right, Ida was the one to call. Although Ida never had daughters, two of her nieces that lived with her at one time or another were like daughters to her. Betty and Ruth; thank you for being so loving and special to Ida. Ruth, thank you for being there for Ida, especially during the time when she has been so ill. The Rose is a symbol of love; Each one is different, But all are beautiful in their own way. Our mother, the one person most loved, Is like a rose and will remain in our hearts everyday. Whether we call you Mom, Grandma, Auntie, or Ida; We love you and miss your already. My Dear Auntie: Your family and you have thanked me many times for being there when you needed assistance. Now I want to thank you again for all you’ve done for me over the years., You and Uncle Irving took me in and treated me like part of the family when I started my first job. After I went out on my own, it was always like home when I came to visit. I knew I could come to you if I ever needed help. Thank you for your friendship, your love and your companionship. I will miss stopping by after work for that cup of coffee and chatting about the day’s activities. I will miss sitting for hours looking for that piece of puzzle that must have gotten lost. But before the puzzle was finished it magically turned up. And those challenging cribbage games - you were always a whiz. Now you have left us to be with Uncle, the great love of your life. You will be so happy, but we will miss you terribly. I will remember the two of us sitting and complaining to each other about whatever was bothering us; and then laughing about how grumpy we were. I will remember you when the bright morning sun shines through my kitchen window. I will remember you when the evening sunset fills my dining room with a golden glow. Don’t worry now Auntie, as we used to say “Everything comes out in the wash.” I will not say “Goodbye.” You will remain in my heart always. We will meet again by and by and chat about “the good times.” Thinking of you always with love. Rest peacefully Sweet Lady. My love and deepest sympathies to the Boys, my cousins, my friends, Leon, Lynn & Roz, Wade and Faye, Wesley & Donna and their families. Keep all the wonderful memories close to your heart. Thank you Ruth Rendle Ida was predeceased by her husband Irving, her sons Vernon and Dennis, her grandchild Dean and four sisters: Ruby, Mable, Ivy and Stella. She leaves to mourn, her four sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers as well as extended family and friends. Card of Thanks We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Drs. And nurses who helped care for Mom; to Gerry at Vital Aire and all the Home Care staff who made it possible for Mom to stay in her home; to all the friends and relatives who stopped to visit and give a helping hand; and to McCaw Funeral Service who helped with the arrangements. Special thanks to our brother Leon, who looked after Mom at home and spent many hours at the hospital keeping her company and taking care of all her extra needs. Donations in memory of Ida Brown can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Lung Association, the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice. The Brown Family Donations in memory of Ida may be made to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.