Reta Brown

Service

Service Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011

Obituary of Reta Brown

The death of Reta Elizabeth (Urquhart) Brown, age 92, of Sussex, NB, wife of the late Bruce Brown, occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital, on February 14, 2011. She was born on February 12, 1919, in Long Point, NB, the daughter of the late Lee and Susie (Cosman) Urquhart. Reta was born and grew up with her parents and sisters in Long Point, New Brunswick, overlooking the Belleisle Bay. She went to Provincial Normal School in Fredericton when she was 16 and taught in local schools. During World War II Reta went to Ottawa for two and a half years where she did clerical work for the Canadian Military. She taught for a number of years before marrying Bruce Brown in June 1946 and moved to Hatfield Point for about 25 years before moving to Roachville for about 10 years. Following the death of her husband in 1980 she moved to Sussex and became active in several organizations – working at the school library, meal on wheels, volunteering at the Sussex Health Centre gift shop, took the gift cart to Kiwanis Nursing Home to residents not able to get out to go shopping on their own. Reta was a member of the Kennebecasis Valley WI and the Sussex Baptist Church. For several years each Saturday she would make many phone calls to find out who needed a drive to church in order to notify the drivers for Sunday. She enjoyed her ladies Bible study on Wednesday afternoon. After a number of years enjoying her friends and neighbours, many illnesses prevented her ability to get out as she wished, but she never lost interest in what was taking place with others. Her phone conversations, which she so enjoyed, kept her informed. Reta spent the last two years in the hospital and Shannex Nursing Home. Reta will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Reta is survived by daughters Patricia Brown of Saint John and Selene Brown of Vancouver, BC; son David and Cal Brown of Kamloops, BC; sister Bert and Bob Neal of Saint John; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Jean and Otty Frazee. She is resting at Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB, with visiting on Saturday from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Reta’s life, conducted by Rev. Dr. Leo Gallant, will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. from Sussex Baptist Church, Sussex, NB. Not being able to attend my mother's funeral is one of the most regretable moments of my life. I loved her very much and I spoke to her by phone on her birthday. Unfortunately I have come down with bronchial pneumonia and travelling from BC to New Brunswick at this time is impossible. I am so sorry that I have missed seeing all of you. I know she would be very pleased to know you are here today to pay your last respects. My wife Cal and I plan to come in the spring..............David. Interment will take place in Bayview Cemetery at a later date. Donations to Sussex Baptist Church or the memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Personal condolences to the family may be made through www.sherwoodsfuneralhome.com.
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