Obituary
Iris Brown (nee Hryhor)
Iris was born in Nipawin, Saskatchewan to John and Mary Hryhor, on March 2, 1940. She passed away in Camrose, Alberta on November 6, 2022 at the age of 86 years. She was the eighth of eight children. Iris was pre-deceased by her parents, by her brothers Morris, Peter, Bill and Terry, and by her sisters Anna and Lena. She is survived by her sister Pauline, her children Kenneth, Wesley and Constance, by her grandchildren Meredith, Josef, Magdalena, and James, and by ten great-grandchildren, the oldest of them being her namesake, Iris Bourget.
Iris grew up in Nipawin, where she naturally became well versed in the language and culture of her Ukrainian parents. She also spent some of her teen years in the Sangudo, Alberta home of her oldest sibling, Anna (Alec) Zwozdesky. At a young age she moved to Calgary where she did secretarial work for several companies before being introduced to Myron (Ken) Brown. They were married in 1960 and settled in the city. By 1964, Iris and Ken had had their three children. Iris was an incredibly talented woman, excelling at painting, interior decorating, cooking, etc. She had an incredible soprano voice that saw her in demand for weddings all over Calgary. She once sang with the Everly brothers. She was vivacious, quick witted, and charmed her way out of more than a few traffic-tickets. Ken and Iris unfortunately parted ways in 1970. After this, Iris continued to raise her three children as best she could, often working at two jobs at once. She was a stenographer by day and often worked as a cocktail waitress in the evenings. She also supplemented her income by translating in court-cases for Ukrainians that didn’t know English, and by selling her paintings for a pretty penny! She would take her kids out, once a month, to the swankiest new restaurants in Calgary.
Sadly, in the prime of her life, Iris became mentally ill. By 1975 she was committed into full-time care. Her ex-husband Ken took charge of the children in that year and moved them to his home in Brooks. Over the next couple of decades Iris was in and out of institutions in Edmonton and was cared for by family, primarily her daughter, Constance. She made a few come-backs, returning to work at times, but by 2004 she was institutionalized for good. Despite her confused mind, she continued to charm the socks off the staff in every place that she landed. The last time Mom had a visit from her kids, a nurse reported, with a warm smile, that she had been ‘feisty’ that morning. Вічная Paм’ять – may her memory be eternal!
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (10951 – 107 Street Edmonton). Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Garden Cemetery in Edmonton.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Iris Brown 2022..
Death notice for the town of: CAMROSE, Province: Alberta
Mike and I are so sorry to know of your loss. She was a sweet and beautiful soul. We just lost your Aunt Vi yesterday, November 11, 2022.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you on your loss. Sending hugs, kisses and love to each of you.
Love from your cousin Pam and Mike Noullett of Courtenay, BC