Obituary of Mrs. Jeanette Enid Anne Brown

1934 August 26 - 2022 January

Mrs. Jeannette Enid Anne Brown (neé Newbould) has passed away of natural causes in her home at Wedgewood Grove, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

Born to Mr. Earnest Walter Newbould and Mrs. Enid Winnifred Newbould (neé Pritchard) in 1934 at Nagpur, British India, Mrs. Brown’s life would eventually span three continents. While a teenager, she accompanied her family to England after Indian Independence, where she would marry her first husband, Mr. Derick Vernon Richard de Lang, in 1963 in Croyden. Shortly thereafter, she moved with him to Toronto to join other members of the de Lang family in forging a new life in Canada. Widowed in 1973, she married her second husband, Mr. Patrick Brown, on 1974 April 7 and remained married to him until his death in 1984. Thereafter, Mrs. Brown resided at Wedgewood Grove until her death.

Mrs. Brown worked for over 25 years at the Ontario Ministry of Revenue, initially in Toronto and later in Oshawa, and earned a sterling reputation as a dedicated professional. Never confrontational, Mrs. Brown’s compassion and graciousness towards her colleagues were renowned. She was respected and admired throughout the organization as being more than only a woman of high competence—she was a true lady of grace and elegance. After her retirement from government service, Mrs. Brown continued to be an active member of her local community. For example, Mrs. Brown was a parishioner and volunteer at the Anglican Church of St. Paul, L’Amoreaux for over 40 years, and was a generous supporter of the Canadian Diabetes Association for even longer.

“Selfless”, “affectionate”, and “generous” are the words that people use the most when referring to Mrs. Brown. Indeed, her considerateness and generosity were boundless, as were her love for and loyalty to her family. Having the burden of several lifelong chronic illnesses, she never once complained nor drew attention to herself because of her maladies, and unwaveringly put other’s needs before her own, even when ill herself. Cookery was one of her hobbies and, for decades, family and friends always left her home fully sated by the most delicious variety of Indian dishes by her hands; she put her heart into making guests at ease and welcome. 

An uncompromisingly devoted daughter, wife, sister, and aunt, Mrs. Brown was beloved by her family. She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Pearl Evelyn de Lang (neé Newbould) in Perth, Western Australia, and numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces in Australia, Canada, and the UK.

A memorial service will be held at the Anglican Church of St. Paul, L’Amoreaux, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada at a later date to be announced.