Shirley Joyce Brown

Shirley Brown (née Mills) passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, at the age of 93. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Shirley grew up in the farming community of Sprague, Manitoba, just north of the U.S. border. In 1943, at the age of 12, she moved with her family to North Vancouver, where she would begin a journey that touched countless lives.

At 16, Shirley attended Sprott-Shaw at the corner of Granville and Broadway in Vancouver, where she quickly transitioned from student to secretary. Her career path took a fortuitous turn when she became employed at the same firm where Carl Sandberg was articling. What began as a long-distance romance over the next couple of years, blossomed into a lifelong partnership when Shirley and Carl were married on November 5, 1955.

The couple began their married life in a downtown Vancouver apartment before settling into their first home on Monmouth Avenue in Collingwood. Their family soon grew with the births of Gail Christine in 1963 and Mark Edwin in 1964. In 1968, Shirley and Carl built a new home on Rumble Street in Burnaby, where they created countless memories of family and friends camping and playing bridge.

In 1973, the family relocated to Kamloops due to Carl’s transfer, where Shirley dedicated herself to raising her children and actively volunteering in the community. She gave her time to organizations like the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE), the Ladies Auxiliary to the Shrine, and the Daughters of the Nile, embodying the spirit of service in all she did.

Carl passed away suddenly in June 1992, just three months after welcoming their granddaughter. Yet, life brought Shirley love again when she married Garnet Brown in May, 1995. Together, they traveled to numerous places, including cruises to Panama and Alaska, as well as communities throughout British Columbia. With Garnet, Shirley continued to share her love of music and community service.

Shirley’s life was marked by her passion for singing, a talent she shared with her sister, Gladys and brother, Jim from a young age. This joy for music never faded, and she continued to be a vibrant presence in her community through her involvement with the Masonic Lodge and IODE.

After Garnet’s passing in 2003, Shirley embarked on new adventures, traveling to Ireland in 2008 with her daughter and granddaughter, and again in 2013 with most of her entire family. It’s no wonder that her favourite colour was green. In 2014, she also enjoyed a memorable trip to Paris, France, with Mark and his family, where a visit to Juno Beach was a highlight.

Shirley’s later years were spent enjoying family time at Little Shuswap Lake, and on various smaller trips. Most recently, Shirley resided at Ponderosa Lodge, where she was cared for by dedicated staff. She remained active, reading and puzzling, always staying connected to the world around her, content in the knowledge that her family was so close.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Amy (Warren) Mills, her beloved siblings, Jim and Gladys, her nephew Roger Siebert, and both of her much-loved husbands, Carl Sandberg and Garnet Brown. She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by her children, Gail (Dean) Wichmann and Mark (Andy) Sandberg; her grandchildren, Mariah (Justin) Smith, Eric (Cat Martin) Wichmann, Brendan Sandberg, and Nathan Sandberg; as well as her honorary granddaughter, Chelsea. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Flora Johnson, ten nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A member of the United Church for almost seventy years, Shirley’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone she met, from the constant companions of her children she welcomed into her home to the friends and family she entertained at her famous Boxing Day open houses. Shirley’s skills in baking and sewing were only rivaled by her talent with a crochet needle, creating beautiful pieces for weddings, gifts, and charitable causes. You didn’t dare eat the baking on the counter without permission because it was usually destined for someone else! Described as “short and sweet”, Shirley could definitely become a “momma bear” when the need arose.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on August 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kamloops United Church Aberdeen Location (formerly Plura Hills United Church), with a light lunch to follow. Interment will take place later that afternoon at Hillside Cemetery. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Ponderosa Lodge 2West for their compassionate care.

Shirley will be remembered for her boundless love, her creative spirit, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. In her honor, may we all strive to live with the same kind and generous character that she demonstrated throughout her remarkable life. To that end, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Kamloops United Church, the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, or Diabetes Canada in Shirley’s name would be welcome.