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Norene Marvel Brown

March 26, 2023

Norene 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.

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Messages of Condolence

I just heard about Norene's passing. I worked with her at Mitten Realty Ltd. for quite a few years - almost 15 years. I too remember the elaborate April Fool's jokes she liked to play. One time she said that if I couldn't give her an idea for a prank to play on April Fools Day - that it was grounds for me being fired!! Norene made working at Mitten Realty really fun. I never ever had a time that I didn't want to go to work. Don't get me wrong - we all got our work done - just the atmosphere in the office was really special and Norene made it that way. She was really fun to be around - never really saw her in a bad mood. A wonderful lady has now passed onto higher grounds. What fun they must be having on the "other side." ~ Janet Holoien

Aunt Noreen was beautiful, strong and joyful, just like her brothers Chuck & Len, my grandfather. My wish is they are once again together with family and all the aunties they grew up with. The Mitten family embodies kindness, integrity and love. A beautiful legacy. Sending our condolences. ~ Alexandra Proctor