Joan Patricia Brown

Joan Patricia Brown (Lindsay) August 01, 1933 - May 14, 2022

It is with great sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of our mother, Joan Patricia Brown.  Joan reached the age of 88 and passed peacefully in her home with her family just as she had wanted all of her wonderful life.

Joan is predeceased by loving husband, Dr. Samuel Stuart Brown, and son, Keith.  She is survived by son’s Lindsay, Simon and Roger; by grandchildren Rowan, Sage and Breanna; and by loving family and friends.

Joan was born in Enniskillen, a small town in Northern Ireland, to Gladys and Jack Lindsay.  She is survived by younger sister and brother, Cathy and Peter. 

Joan competed and did well in piano and tennis, later choosing to focus on school and to study to become a nurse, a career path she enjoyed.  This didn’t last as long as she thought, because she met Stuart.  As it does for most young couples, life has a way of taking on new directions, and Joan chose a path of family.  Leaving nursing behind, Joan and Stuart married and parented four boys.  Joan was an outstanding mother - but of course, as one of her sons, I’m sure I’m a little biased. But seriously, Joan was a cut above.

Family life, as it is for all, came with challenges and rewards.  The family was young and living in Ireland.  The environment of Northern Ireland at the time provoked the young couple to uproot and start again.  They chose Calgary  and Joan’s growing maternal inclination faced the challenge of distance and time to extended family.  Joan was brave as she faced the many challenges of raising four school aged children in a new country, and brave just for raising four boys.

Never short of an opinion on any matter, Joan was kind and open-minded.  She had musical tastes that ranged from Chopin to Queen and everything in between.  With a hard working and loving personality, family life evolved.  The family home moved but stayed around Calgary.  Sons ebbed and flowed in the house according to school and employment.  Life got busy with marriages, divorces, grandchildren, injury, loss, happiness, nurturing, teaching, learning and there was always a garden that needed tending.  Joan was an avid gardener growing beautiful and productive crops.

Retirement years came for Joan with Stuart, and a move to Qualicum Beach and the west coast.  New friends, new challenges, new rewards.  The smell of the ocean was one of my mother’s favourite things along with the rain and the west coast gave her both.

She loved the outdoors and wildlife, whether the whales near the island, bears in the Yukon, moose in the backyard, or a hummingbird outside her window. Joan was a lover of all creatures and all things outdoors.  Joan also loved the kitchen where she ruled with an iron hand. Everything was made Joan’s way, and this was always a good thing as her meals were second to none, not just because I’m a son, but in everyone’s opinion.

Joan had a quick wit, was intelligent and remained sharp throughout her life. She was a dedicated and loyal family person who was passionate, empathetic and nurturing.  Joan also had a twinkle in her eye, could be a little mischievous, and enjoyed a glass of white wine late in the afternoon or while making supper.

In lieu of flowers:

People survive by the memories we have of them and the stories we tell.  So next time you find yourself in the kitchen cooking a meal, have a celebratory drink of some kind, a drink to Joan, and tell a story of a person who was wonderful in so many ways.

Lives Cherished and Celebrated