Obituary of Pauline Sharp Brown

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family of Pauline Brown, age 85, announce that she passed away peacefully on January 22, 2019 at the Sussex Health Centre.  She was the daughter of the late Clinton and Annie (Sharp) Gillies and the wife of Kenneth Brown.

Pauline was born in Collina, N.B. on June 14, 1933 and spent her growing up years in this small, but close-knit community, attending the small school there until grade 8, then Belleisle High School.   She was part of the large Gillies, Sharp and Keirstead families and close to many of her aunts, uncles, cousins and continued to be so throughout the years.   When she moved to Sussex to work in the Telephone Company as an operator, she made many new friends and through a church group outing met a young farmer, Ken Brown, who took notice of this pretty girl, and they were married in 1952 at the Collina Baptist Church.  Over the next 12 years, Pauline and Ken welcomed 3 girls and 4 boys into a busy farming household, and Pauline’s days were filled with all the work that comes with little children and farm hands to feed.  She became an expert cook and always kept a home that was comfortable and inviting as she tended to everyone’s needs without ever complaining.   She loved her family and her profession as a full-time mom and homemaker.  She led by example with her constant patience, love and care for each individual child and her busy husband. 

Even with a busy work schedule at home, Pauline managed to get out and meet other women in her neighborhood, joining the Lower and Drurys Cove Women’s Institute of which she eventually became a charter and life member.  She faithfully attended monthly meeting and also events that brought the other groups together for fun and fellowship.  She will certainly be missed by fellow members!   She also became involved in St. Paul’s United Church after her marriage and joined the United Church Women of which she has a life membership.   She was always willing to lend a hand with cooking and serving at all kinds of suppers and other events.  Her monthly unit meetings gave her time to relax and visit with church family friends, who loved her as a sister.  Together with Ken, Pauline rarely missed a community supper or event and they enjoyed square- dancing for many years.  Their travels took them to many countries around the world and they also took their children ton special trips to Expo 67, across Canada and Florida instilling in all their family a love of travel and seeing new places.    In recent years Pauline went to senior fitness classes, bowling, walking and simply getting together with some of the girls for coffee kept her fit and interested in the community.  

At her beautiful home, she was always welcoming visitors and caring for neighbors, friends and relatives.  She often had children and grandchildren visiting and made each one feel special as she spoiled them with her delicious cooking – and their favorite foods.   She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, always sending cards in the mail to all parts of the country.   Introduced to ipad use a few years ago, she learned how to navigate the strange world of gmail and facebook, and so enjoyed facetime visits with family, along with regular phone calls.   She was the family encyclopedia, always remembering names, events and what happened.    Her presence will be missed by so many, but her love will live on through each one!

Pauline leaves behind a legacy and a family who will hold her memory dear to their hearts.  She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 67 years; brother, Donald Gillies, sister-in-laws Margaret (Irvine) Walker Greer, Joan (David) Morse. Children:  John (Nancy), Nancy (Ivan) Barnett, Judy (Don) Stockdale-Dow, Patsy (Jeff) Ste.Marie, David (Edith), Doug (Jackie), daughter-in-law, Rollande. 18 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.  Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her son Donny, son-in-law, Richard Stockdale, sister-in-law, Dorothy Gillies and brother-in-law, George Walker.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex from where visitation will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2-4 pm and 6-8pm.   A celebration of Pauline’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 4 Morrison Ave. Sussex on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11 AM.  

 If you are considering making a memorial donation the family would suggest St. Paul’s United Church or a charity of your choice.