Norene Marvel Brown

Norene (Mom, Grandma, GG), passed peacefully in the early hours of March 26.  Although deeply saddened to lose the matriarch of our family, we are comforted in the knowledge that she is now free of the bondage that is dementia. 

Born in Vancouver, Norene had a full and rewarding life. After graduating with a commerce degree from UBC in 1951, she married Bill (William) Sharpe and they soon moved to North Vancouver where they raised their 3 children.  After Bill's passing when she was just 41, Norene met and  married Ernie Brown.  Together, they enjoyed 38 years of adventures, sharing their love of  travel, nature, bird watching, the ocean - swimming and snorkelling.  And of course their love of Jazz music and dancing.

Norene, never one to sit still, had many interests: bridge, book club, gardening, volunteering to teach adult literacy or helping in the classroom.

She had a wonderful sense of humour.  She will be fondly remembered for her wit and her elaborate April Fool jokes.

She was happiest at her cottage “at the bay” on Gabriola, especially when she was surrounded by family and friends.

But Mom's greatest joy was her family.  She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by: Jack Sharpe (Jill),   Tia Vaughan (Ken) and  Don Sharpe (Betsy), 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. In their words, she was: Smart, Witty, Altruistic, Supportive, Strong, Genuine, Mischievous, Kind, Generous and Devoted to her family.