Janet Mary Brown

Janet Mary Brown (Macdonald) of Halifax passed away peacefully on January 20, 2016 at Kingswood Residence. She was 82. Born in Radlett, Hertfordshire, England (Greater London), she was the daughter of John (Jack) Macdonald and Olive Mary Embleton Smith.

After completing her training as a State Registered Nurse in 1955 at The Middlesex Hospital in London, she became a staff nurse there. The following year she obtained her Midwifery Certificate (Part I) at the General Lying-In Hospital in London. From 1958-1963, after immigrating to Canada, she worked as a staff nurse at the Montreal General Hospital. On her first day of work there, she met her future husband, Dr. Basil St. John Brown, and they married in 1961. In 1963 she paused her career to start a family and in 1967, they moved to Halifax, NS.

A pianist since childhood, Jan had a lifelong passion and talent for music, and was a volunteer ukulele teacher with the Halifax City School Board from 1970-1982. She was the coordinator of volunteer ukulele teachers from 1977-1979. In the mid-1970s she started playing the double bass and completed two years of study towards a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Dalhousie University from 1979-1981.

Her love and devotion to volunteer work continued throughout her life. Jan volunteered as secretary and/or treasurer and/or registrar with such organizations as Rockingham United Church, Maskwa Aquatic Club, Nova Scotia String Music Camp, String Music Atlantic, and Seton Cantata Choir, to name just a few.

In the mid-1980s she began part-time studies at Mount Saint Vincent University. By 1989, she had obtained her Bachelor of Office Administration degree (with Distinction). Over the next many years she worked as the secretary at Rockingham United Church and the Faculty Association of Mount Saint Vincent University concurrently until her retirement.

An avid choral singer, Jan was a long-time member of the Rockingham United Church choir, Seton Cantata Choir, and others. She was also a passionate concertgoer. Her other interests included bird watching, crossword puzzles, and watching figure skating, curling, and the Tour de France. Her little dogs, Holly, Lucy, and Rosie gave her much joy.

Jan is survived by son Jeremy (Kim), Enfield; daughters Hilary (Celeste) and Julie, both of Halifax; and grandchildren Drew and Noah, Enfield. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Basil St. John Brown, brother, Hugh, and infant son Andrew.

The family would like to thank Mum’s caregivers, Donna Pye and Bernadette Shea, who cared for Mum in her home, and Kris and Mariola Ganski of Kingswood Residence.

Jan greatly valued her family, work colleagues, neighbours, and many friends. Rockingham United Church and all of its members were a central part of her life.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 2:00 pm in Rockingham United Church, 12 Flamingo Dr., Halifax. A reception in the church hall will follow. Rev. Debbie Aitken will officiate. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.