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Doreen Brawn
In Memory of
Doreen Lois
Brawn (Hall)
1926 - 2019
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Obituary for Doreen Lois Brawn (Hall)

Doreen Lois  Brawn (Hall)
Doreen Lois Brawn died peacefully at her residence, Fairview Personal Care Home, on Monday, February 18, 2019. She was predeceased by her husband of seventy-one years, Charles, and her brothers Melvin and Hubert Hall. She is survived by her sons Gary (Angela) and Dale, grandson Christopher (Danielle), great-grandchildren Noah, Shiloh and Maksim, brother Philip Hall (Carole) and her sisters-in-law Jean Hall and Eileen Hall. Doreen Lois Brawn was born in her grandparents’ house in Belmont, Manitoba on October 12, 1926. Her parents, George and Ivy Agnes (Smith) Hall, farmed approximately five miles south of Belmont, and Doreen was raised in that area, attending Alma School, the one-room school which was the education and social centre for the community. When barely 15, and having just graduated from grade eight in Alma School, her mother arranged for Doreen to obtain room and board in Winnipeg to allow for training as a hair dresser. After two years there, she and a friend moved to Fort William, Ontario where toward the end of 1944 Doreen met Charles Roland Brawn at a dance. Many times over subsequent years, Charles would marvel at his bravery in crossing the floor to ask this beautiful woman to dance. They were married on March 30, 1945 and were subsequently persuaded by Doreen’s parents to move to Manitoba, where they would have the support of extended family. Although, as a young couple, Charles and Doreen explored various employment opportunities, by late 1948 they were settled in Brandon with their two children, Gary and Dale. Doreen continued hair dressing for a time but treated being a homemaker as her true profession. She took very seriously being the primary care-giver and disciplinarian for her children. This shortly left no time for work outside the home. When her boys were both in school, she was persuaded to become involved in recreational activities, primarily curling, which allowed her to exercise her athletic ability and competitive spirit. A number of times Doreen was the skip of winning teams at major events at the Brandon Women’s Bonspiel and other curling competitions. Although Charles was always the public face of their various family businesses – radio/tv repair and sales; real estate sales; property management and others, Charles freely acknowledged success would not have been possible without Doreen’s efforts, which often involved hard labour such as cleaning and painting. In retirement Doreen and Charles continued to be very active and sought out recreational and social activities such as golf, bridge and dancing which they could share together. They particularly enjoyed life and friends in Village Green and at their winter home in Mesa, Arizona. Doreen was reserved in her demeanour, but invariably stylish in dress and deportment. She was reluctant to be critical, but did not back off if she felt something had to be said. Doreen placed a high value on time spent with family and friends. She was always a stalwart supporter of both her immediate and extended family. She took delight and pride in all their accomplishments. She had no sense that modesty should restrain her from extolling their virtues. Doreen’s family will honour her memory in a private graveside service at a later date.