It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Dorothy (Dot) Brown on March 25th, 2020 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre. We honour your incredible strength.
Dot was born on June 17th, 1947 in Campbellford, Ontario. She was the youngest of six children born to Lucille (nee Lean) and William Ewart Huycke. She grew up on the family apple orchard in Warkworth, and attended school in Campbellford. She met the love of her life, Ken Brown, and they were married November 11, 1966. Ken and Dot moved to Dryden in 1973 and made Dryden their home. Ken and Dot shared 38 years together before Ken’s sudden passing in 2004. Dot was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Adored and much loved mother of Robert (Gail) Brown of Orangeville, Kimberly Mills (Dean Woermke) of Dryden, Kenneth (Renée) Brown of Emo, and William (Marina) Brown of Calgary. She was a loving Grandma to Natalie and Ian Brown, Eric and Christopher Mills, Ryan and Ethan Brown, and Micahella Brown.
Dot is survived by her children and grandchildren, siblings; Marilyn Hatton, Enid (Leigh) Hammond, Gary (Dale) Huycke, Elaine (Bill) Donald, sisters-in-law Shirley Huycke and Margaret Downes, brother-in-law Benson Brown, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dot was predeceased by her husband Ken Brown, by her parents Lucille and William Huycke, her brother Robert (Bob) Huycke, brother-in-law Bill Downes, her beloved Mervin Brownlee, and Natalie’s twin, Adam.
Dot was born to be a wife and mother. She was a caregiver by nature and she enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom. For many years, Dot also babysat numerous children in their home. Later in life, Ken and Dot owned and operated K&D Salvage for many years until Ken’s passing.
Dot was a community minded person. After Ken’s passing, she used her energetic, caring and helpful nature, along with her hardworking, cooking, and serving skills to volunteer often at the Dryden Legion and the Dryden Agricultural Centre. She was ready to help with any community group that needed assistance. Dot enjoyed the company of other people and she always looked forward to her weekly bowling activities and coffee dates with friends. Dot always loved music and she really enjoyed attending country music jams. She discovered a love for singing karaoke just recently. It was through music and the Sunset Country Music Heritage Association that she met Mervin and was given a second chance at love. Dot and Mervin enjoyed many years of love and companionship and they had a mutual fondness and talent for quilting. They could be seen at various local vendor events over the past few years selling their beautiful, handmade items.
We are so incredibly sad to have to say goodbye to you, Mom. You taught us all how to love deeply. We will miss everything about you, every day. We will remember your handmade gifts, your delicious food, your weekly calls on Sunday evenings, your incredible sense of humour, and your laugh. You fought so hard to stay here on earth with us, but now we know that you are dancing in the sky and singing in the angel’s choir.
The family appreciates the exemplary care provided to Mom over the last few weeks by the Doctors, Nurses and staff in the Emergency Department at the Dryden Regional Health Centre; the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Intensive Care Unit at Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre; the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Palliative Care Unit at DRHC, the paramedics and flight crews with Orange, and the Ambulance crew. Your compassion and dedication during this difficult time will always be remembered. Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, arrangements for a celebration of strength and a community memorial event for Dot and Mervin will be held at a later date in Dryden.
The family will have a private ceremony in Peterborough, Ontario for her family and closest friends.
Donations may be made in Dot’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63 or a charity of your choice to you through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
