Sarah Alice Brown
July 24, 1921 – February 8, 2022
Sarah Brown passed peacefully on February 7 th , 2022, in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 100 years and 6 months. It is a story of keeping positive when adversity is all around.
She was born on July 24 th , 1921, in Birkenhead, England. Her parents were William and Ellen Carr (nee Norton). Her first five years was one of meeting and overcoming health challenges. She went on to attend St. John’s Parochial Elementary School and St. Central High School and finished with what would be the equivalent of a Grade 10. These years were tough as it was the depression in the 1930’s. After finishing school, she worked at a grocer market in Birkenhead and at a fish and chips shop as a server. Then the world turned upside down again and World War II began in June 1939. The Carr family had served in WWI – her father – and now both parents took on role of wardens. Her brother George enlisted – he died on December 31, 1942, on the HMS Bramble. In 1941, Sarah joined the British Women’s Land Army and worked on a farm as all the men had gone to war.
In 1948, Sarah met and married Walter Edwin Brown. They had a son, Ed in July the next year. Walter took his young family and they immigrated to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he had a three-year contract with the Cunard line before joining the Halifax Shipyards in 1954. Sarah and her young son arrived at Pier 21 in October ’51. They rented a place in Dartmouth and the second year moved to Halifax. Second child, daughter Angela arrived in October 1953. The following year the growing family purchased a home in Fall River. Over the next few years the couple welcomed the arrival of Daughter Janet (September 1956), Son Alan (January 1959) and Youngest Daughter Sandra (July 1961).
Sarah was a loving Mother but she faced many challenges in the 1960’s including accidents affecting Son (motorcycle) Daughter (Hit & Run) and another daughter (Serious bicycle accident). Thankfully, everyone is well. Sarah met challenges with the spirit of tenacity of one who has seen much tragedy. In the 1970’s she was a single Mum with three children still living at home. In her 50’s she got her Grade 12 Equivalency Degree (GED) at the age of 52 and her Driver’s License at age 54.
She had to work to support the family. She started as housekeeper working for families in Halifax. In 1975, she got a job at the Chickenburger. This meant steady employment that she enjoyed for 10 years until her retirement in 1985. Her retirement years were truly her golden years. She gave back to her community by volunteering at the IWK-Grace Hospital, and the Cobequid Multi-Service Centre. She was involved in community groups that championed Seniors Issues and was often a speaker to school groups about the war years. In 2001 she was recognized one of Nova Scotia’s most remarkable seniors for her leadership.
Sarah loved her family deeply and in 1973 she welcomed her first grand child, James John McHale (JJ), Tanya in 1979 – who sadly passed away at five weeks. This incident was the impetus to Sarah’s passion to volunteer at the Grace Maternity Hospital. She always turned a tragedy into something that had a purpose in life.
The branches of the Brown Family Tree continued to sprout through the 80’s, 1982 – Grandson Dale – 1985 – two grandsons – Christopher and Adam. In 1988, Scott was born and in 1990 Granddaughter Jennifer. Adult Step Granddaughters arrived in 1999 – Rhonda and Cynthia Pace.
Great Grandchildren arrived in the 2000’s – Alex – 2006, Caitlyn – 2007, Eva – 2008, Henry – 2009, and Elliot – 2012 – Logan – 2019, Grayson – 2021.
Sarah loved them all and acceptance was one of her most beautiful attributes. Sarah ended her volunteer career in 2010. Her remaining years were enjoyed playing card games – Crib was her favourite. Also Darts and Pool. Passionate supporter of the Canadian Curling Teams. A ferocious reader – she enjoyed many titles whether they be Fiction or Non-Fiction. A proud Canadian citizen for 70 years. Amid many tragic events that befell her over her long life, she maintained such a positive attitude, kindness for others and was grateful for the many riches she had earned in her life. Family, Health, and Vitality.
She will be missed, but never forgotten by those who loved her or called her friend. A Celebration of Life will be planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to IWK Hospital, Cobequid Multi-Service Centre or the charity of your choice in her memory.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sarah Alice Brown July 24 1921 February 8 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Halifax, Province: Nova Scotia