Ida Brown

Ida Mae Brown

(nee: Vivier)

With her family at her side, Ida Brown, beloved wife of John Brown, passed away on June 15, 2011 following a short battle with cancer. Ida was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Elsie Vivier, sister Mary Josephine MacDonald, brother Henry Vivier, nephews Keith Armishaw, Walter Van Dijk, Barth MacDonald and by her beloved son (Chick) John Henry Brown.

She is survived by her devoted husband Jack (John), her loving children: Elizabeth (Mike) King, Rose-Marie Garnham, Beverly (Bill) Carlson, Craig (Pam) Brown and her shared daughter Kim (Don) Chipman all of Portage. The gems in her life; her grandchildren: Alex, Mitchell, Stacy (Keith), Travis, Troy, Aaron, Jonah, Lisa, Lucas, Justin, Jaxson, Angie (Scott) and Kaliegh (Paul). She is also survived by her sisters: Sheila (John) Harrison, Ann Barrault, Julie Armishaw of Portage and Rose (John) Van Dijk of Chilliwack B.C. Her brothers: Clifford (Tammy) Vivier of Duncan B.C. and Gerald Vivier of Edmonton Alberta, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom was born in April of 1940 and was raised in Portage la Prairie. In 1957 she married her childhood sweetheart Jack and they continued to make their home in Portage. Mom was always a hard worker. She started waitressing at a young age working at Zola's, Ollie's Bus Depot, and Jimmy's CafAC.. Along the way she changed her career and worked as a nurse's aide at the Manitoba Developmental Centre and Lion's Prairie Manor. Later she returned to the food industry as a cook and spent several years at Spriggs Restaurant, Manitoba Inn, Co-op Diner and Southport Diner. She retired in January of 2009 to take care of her son Chick who had become ill. Mom's pride and joy were her grandchildren. Each of them held a special place in her heart. Most of her spare time was centered on family events. Mom prepared extra special home-cooked meals (including pies) for these events. Mom did enjoy an occasional game of bingo or cards. She loved T.V. game shows and listening to country music and fiddle tunes. Her favourite artist was Johnny Cash and her favourite fiddle tune was the "Orange Blossom Special".

In the last couple of years she was bit by the travel bug and spent much of her time travelling about Manitoba. Her favourite trips were to watch her grandson Troy perform with the MAC.tis Prairie Steppers. Mom was proud of her MAC.tis heritage and was an active member of the Portage MMF. Mom's last trip was in March when she flew to B.C with her sister Sheila to see their brothers Henry and Clifford.

Mom received her cancer diagnosis in early April. The cancer was aggressive. She made it clear to all of us that she wanted to remain at home with her family for as long as possible. With the help of Auntie Sheila, we were able to honour her wishes. On June 10, 2011 we made the difficult decision to move mom to the hospital. She passed away 5 days later.

There will be a time for visitation and viewing on Monday evening, June 20, 2011 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at McKenzie's Portage Funeral Chapel led by Lieutenant Jeff Arkel. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8, or to the Salvation Army, Box 476, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com