Josepha (Beatrice Georgina) Brown, IBVM

Sister Josepha IBVM died peacefully at Presentation Manor, on April 3rd, 2023. Sister was in the 94th year of life and her 76th year as a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loretto Sisters.)

Beatrice Georgina Brown was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, on May 26, 1928 to George William Brown, England and Mary Jane Adams, Fort Frances, Ontario (both deceased). She was predeceased by her brother Thomas and her sisters Margaret McQueen and Dorothy Kupper. She is survived by nieces and nephews in Alberta and Ontario.

She entered the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, 1946, and was given the Religious name, Sister Josepha. During her time in the Novitiate (1946 – 1951) she lived at Loretto Abbey and Loretto Wheaton and the following years in formation she lived at the St. Cecilia convent and then ventured further west to Weyburn and Sedley, Saskatchewan. After taking final vows (1955) she continued her ministry as cook and baker at Loretto Abbey. In 1978, she became the Superior of Loretto Abbey. For the next 11 years she ministered to the senior citizens in Estevan. Upon returning to the east she served the community in Toronto and Niagara Falls as community driver, superior, leadership team member and baker. Her final move to the Abbey came in 2003 and she remained there until the Sisters moved to Presentation Manor in November 2018.

Josepha was very proud of her Indigenous heritage and St. Kateri is engraved on her ring along with St. George and her motto “It is the Lord.” In the 1970’s Josepha became involved with Weight Watchers and eventually became a mentor and instructor for this new initiative for good health. Her cat became her close companion at the Abbey and she shared many a tale about her precious Cuddles’ antics. In her years at Presentation Manor she became known for her many hats.

Josepha will be missed by family, friends, sisters and staff.

Friends may call at Presentation Manor, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough on Friday, April 14th, 2023 from 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Presentation Manor Chapel at 10:30 am. Interment at Mount Hope cemetery.