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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BROWN, Irene Daphne Julia (née SHAW) - passed away peacefully on December 2, 2008 after a lengthy illness at the age of 86 years. Irene was the youngest and last surviving of seven children of Maltman and Maud Shaw, pioneers of the Midnapore District. She was predeceased by her husband Allan in 1990 and is survived by her children Neil Brown, Caroline DeBortoli and her husband Johnny, Janet Brown, and Keith Brown and his wife Linda, and by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Irene was born on August 10, 1922 in the Calgary General Hospital. She was raised on the family farm in Midnapore where she developed a strong work ethic and a love of animals, especially horses which she rode proficiently. As a young girl she attended Midnapore School and worked at many farm chores, including cooking over a wood stove for the large threshing crews every fall, where she acquired her home cooking skills appreciated by family and friends. In 1944 Irene joined the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens), and was stationed at HMCS TECUMSEH, and HMCS GIVENCHY on the West Coast where she made lifetime friends of her fellow Wrens before being demobilized on October 27, 1945 and receiving the 1939-45 War Medal. She married Allan on August 24, 1945 and together they raised their family in the house they built in Midnapore. After Allan's retirement they moved to their final home on the beautiful Highwood River south of Calgary where Irene continued to reside until the end. The family is grateful that Irene was able to spend her final years at home due to the devoted care of her friend and home companion Barbara Penner and other care givers. Irene was a long-standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Southern Alberta Pioneers. She was an energetic and spirited woman who gave her time freely to friends and family and welcomed all who entered her home with western hospitality. She will be greatly missed. Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Church, No. 7 Sunmills Green S.E., Calgary on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends may, if they desire, make a donation in Irene's memory to the Salvation Army. (Calgary Herald 04 Dec 2008)
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