FREDA GLADYS BROWN

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FREDA GLADYS (FLEMING) BROWN May 9, 1931 - May 23, 2015 Now at rest, waiting for the trumpet to sound, when the dead in Christ will rise, and then those that remain. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (paraphrase). Freda will be missed by her husband of 59 years, Harold William Brown, her children; Kelly (Harold Kelvin) and his wife Joanna Maria Jablonski, Sheila Marjory and her husband Robert Donald Lapinski, her grandchildren; Gabriel, Michael, Steven, Lisa, Caleb and Micah, step-grandchildren; Adam, Alyssa and Andrew, great-grandchildren; Ethan, Declan and Aria, her sister, Marjory Eleanor and her husband Vernon Ernest McNair and sister-in-law, Joyce Carole Fleming, nieces and nephews; Lilas, Doug, Roy, Brenda and Joanne. Freda was preceded by her parents, Peter Roy Fleming (Sr.) and Persi Gladys (Arnold) Fleming, grandchildren; Josiah Jonathan Smith, Israel Abram Smith and her younger brother, Peter Roy Fleming (Jr.). Freda was a multi-career professional, an independent thinker who demonstrated compassion and caring to those who knew her, as well as, complete strangers, throughout her life. Freda graduated in 1953 with an RN degree from St. Boniface Hospital. Her first position as an RN was Matron of the 30 bed Shoal Lake Hospital. She took a break from nursing to become an Air Canada Stewardess (flight attendant). When she got married, Air Canada policy of the era dictated that she could no longer retain her position as a Stewardess with their airline. It was a different world then, far from the human rights advances of present day. Freda's next pursuit would take her back into nursing as a Private Nurse in Winnipeg at various Hospital locations. Later she became a Public Health Nurse for the St. Boniface Health District. A firm believer in higher education, Freda went on to complete her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Manitoba. This degree led to an Adult Education teaching position with the Provincial Government. She taught Mathematics, Physics and English programs to aid individuals interested in fulfilling the pre-requisite requirements for University and Red River Community College. For a change of pace, Freda embarked on a career in Real Estate, selling properties in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. As hobbies, Freda became an Obedience Dog Trainer for C.D. and C.D.X. levels, as well as, a Conformation and Sanction Match Judge for various Kennel Clubs. She was actively involved in the selection and breeding of Samoyed and Siberian Huskies with Natuske Kennels, along with her husband and daughter. Freda became part of an Evangelistic Team with Pat Carver Ministries International, from Atlanta, Georgia. With this team, she travelled in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Russia, England, Scotland and Germany. After completing her Nursing License refresher course at Red River Community College, she worked at the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home until her retirement in 1995. Freda's life was rich and full in every way. She balanced both career and family. She was not a lover of money but loved to help those in need. She was quick and sharp witted and adventurous. She disliked vain traditions but embraced real conversations and meaningful exchanges. Honesty and integrity defined her. A couple of sayings she had that will always be remembered: "It's not what's on your back but what's in your heart that counts." "Measure success in happiness, never money." To honor Freda's memory, a graveside memorial will be held at the Glenlea Mennonite Church Cemetery with close friends and family, in mid-June. Pastor Mike Johnson of Deadwood South Dakota, a close friend of Freda's will lead the memorial. In lieu of flowers, Freda would have encouraged donations to the Manitoba branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, CancerCare Manitoba and World Vision. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2015