Edith Frances Browning

Edith Browning was a well lit candle that burned out recently. Edith was a quiet woman, who held close her religious values and love for her church. It is rare these days to find such a woman who could quote the bible, and live our Lord’s teachings. Edith was such a dear, everyone loved her.

Born in Youngstown Alberta, Canada, life wasn’t easy, but being the youngest of her siblings, Edith was shown lot’s of love. Edith would often talk of her brother’s, teaching her how to shoot a gun, or lifting her up to ride the horse to a neighbors’ house. Edith’s sisters helped raise her, taught her math, and to read as her Mother was sick when Edith was very young. She spoke of the sadness of losing her Mother at a young age and also lost her brother Clifford to the war.

A few of the Tobin sisters, Ida, Florence, and Anne, made their way south to California, and her sister Ann sent for Edith when she was 16. It was a long trip. Edith then finished school and helped care for her nephews and nieces of the Davis Family. These were the early days of San Francisco, I can only imagine how different it all seemed to a young girl coming straight from the prairies of Canada. Edith talked a bit about going to the movies on Saturday and enjoying chocolate bars for the first time.

Edith went on to marry, Allen Keenan Browning, and the first three children were born, Robert, Penelope, and Larry. These were hard times, and Edith’s husband joined the Army. Edith and her children went to live with her father in law and his wife. Still through hard times the family managed to stay together and one more daughter, Diana, joined the growing family.

The Browning family made their way to Redwood City for awhile, and eventually moved further south to Los Angeles. At this time the Brownings moved closer to the DeYoung family. There were lot’s of cousins who were all able to be with Grandpa Harry Tobin and his wife Margarette.

Edith had her hands full with her growing family, and they all moved further south again to Lakewood, California. With the addition of Allen, Paula and Kathleen, Edith managed to stay active in her church, go to college, and get credentials to take a part time job with the ABC school district.

Edith was now a grandmother, and raising her own children, and grandchildren at the same time. It seems the Browning house was never empty. Edith was a loving Mother, who would ask questions, and listen. Edith often said she never knew all the answers her children would ask of her, but as time went on, her careful observance of her surroundings gave her more knowledge than anyone could have imagined.

Edith was patient, caring, and understanding. She never complained, but sat for hours while everyone else did. Always a kind word or a simple answer to a problem meant the world to all around her. Her big smile and big open arms were available to anyone who needed them. Edith was a great listener, and often gave advice without even knowing it. People would just talk to her, and figure out their own problems! Edith never had a foul word, or comment on any subject.

Edith lived a long life and watched as her siblings and friends pass on before her. Young and old, everyone gravitated toward her. She helped bring children into the world, and helped with the passing of dear souls who had to leave this world. Edith was just the kind of person we all needed to have in our lives. She was always consistant. You would certainly leave Edith feeling a little lighter, and share her smile.

Edith was there to lift us up. Help us through bad times, and revel in the good times. Edith was a Mother, Grandmother, friend and confidant. She was a good Christian and wonderful human being. Edith leaves us all with a little bit of her goodness. Her love and joy will resonate with friends and family who are left behind. We all are better to have known her, and pieces of Edith are left in all of us to be shared with all we meet.

Rest in Peace, Edith. Heaven is finally yours!