Obituary of Edna Jane Brown

BROWN: Edna Jane -

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories we announce the peaceful passing of Edna Jane Brown (Smith) of Ridgetown, at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Friday September 22, 2023, at the age of 68.

As Edna’s life’s path during the last five years unfolded, she faced the challenges of dementia with the same grace and bravery that characterized her life. Though the disease may have stolen some of her memories, it could never erase the love she instilled in our hearts. Despite the trials and challenges she endured, her spirit remained, inspiring those around her to find strength in the face of adversity.

Born in Chatham, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Winters) and Elgin Smith. Daughter-in-law of the late Gordon and Leona Brown.

Dear wife of Jim Brown Ridgetown.

Beloved mother of Karen and Patrick Hutt of Windsor and Jeff and Erin Brown of Ridgetown. Grandmother of Connor and Nolan Hutt.

Sister of Treena and Bill Harvey, Chatham; Susan and Paul Galbraith, Ridgetown, Sharon Pritchard, Chatham; and Mark and Nancy Smith, Windsor. Predeceased by a brother Douglas Bruce (1946).

Sister-in-law to Gordon and Barb Brown Ridgetown. Predeceased by brother-in-law David Brown (1991) and sister-in-law Barb Jillard (2013) Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Growing up in Morpeth “Hardrock” as she was tagged by her group of friends Edna worked at the family business M and E Shopping Centre and waited tables at the Plaza Restaurant during her high school years. It was high school where she met her soulmate, leading to a marriage of 46 years. Following graduation from St Clair College Edna worked at Gordon’s Super Save then Beatons valu-mart in the deli and meat department tagged again as “Edna Jean the Wrapping Queen”. Later, she ran her own cleaning service for many years with both home and business clients until her disease forced retirement.

Edna was shy by nature and avoided the spotlight; however, family and close friends knew a witty, funny gal who could always be counted on in any occasion or need.

She was a voracious reader who took a great interest in local and world events, a trait she instilled in her children.

Her cooking and baking skills were a match to any chef, and we have never found a pizza anywhere to beat her own homemade ones. We hope they have Pepsi in heaven.

If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”

—Winnie The Pooh

Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, on Wednesday, September 27, from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Cremation to follow.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 30, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Br. 243 Royal Canadian Legion Ridgetown. Memories are to be shared at 3:00 p.m.

Interment at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Edna to Greenwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519-674-3141