It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Carrie Rebecca Brown (nee Baker) of Amherst and formerly of Athol, NS, who passed away peacefully on September 18, 2021 at the age of 100.
Carrie was predeceased by her husband, Basil Leon Brown in 2008 and their eldest son, Basil Wayne Brown in 1965.
Daughter of the late Cecil and Edna (Stiles/Jones) Baker, Carrie was the youngest and last surviving member of the Athol family fondly known as "The Baker's Dozen". Predeceasing her were brothers Hibbert, Joe, Wylie and Harvey; and sisters Betty, Annie, Alice, Simone, Leone and Blanche.
Carrie will be sadly missed by her 3 surviving children: Janice (Carmen) Brown of Toronto, ON; Sandra (Claude) Breton of Riverview, NB and Ken (Rachel) Brown of Wallace Bay, NS as well as eight grandchildren, Patrice(Visnja) Breton, Tania (JF Seguin) Breton, Joanne (Paul Jago) Breton, Alain (Jamie Power) Breton, Kyle (Grace) Brown, Rae (Dustin Harvey) Brown, Kevin (Keira) Brown and Kirk (Donna Moritsugu) Brown; ten great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and a host of friends & family, too many to mention.
Carrie played a prominent role in the community of Athol where she lived until moving to Amherst in 2005. Long standing active members of the United Church in Athol and then Southampton (following the closing of the Athol church) Carrie and Basil were the epitome of "community spirit". Carrie was actively involved in Sewing Circle, United Church Women, Red Cross and was always helping to cook and serve lunches and contributing "behind the scenes" to the success of many ventures.
Carrie was never one to like the spotlight or being singled out – she just liked to do her part, quietly and efficiently and without a lot of fuss.
In her younger years, Carrie filled every spare minute she had with her crafts: both knitting – every child and grandchild was the recipient of her beautifully knit socks, mittens, hats and sweaters - and quilting. She was one of the best quilters in the area. The family living room was often filled with quilt frames and a work in progress and her quilts are cherished family heirlooms.
She was an avid snowshoer, and enjoyed the outdoors…..blueberry picking, treks to the woods looking for lady slippers, violets… etc etc.
Carrie loved living in Amherst… her first new home there was a granny suite belonging to Faye & Howie Pike, who along with Faye's brother, Michael, became good friends. Carrie loved Faye's weekly visits and looked forward to their many road trips (quite the adventure, some of them). Moving from the "granny suite" to Gladstone Avenue in 2006, she enjoyed a worry free happy and active life there with the help of her "lifeline", the VON, dedicated first responders, neighbours, friends & family.
A highlight of her weeks were the Saturday night card games with her friends Margaret, Joan & Evelyn. Her deteriorating vision made this difficult but she persisted and loved the camaraderie of the evening. Until her vision made it too difficult, she was a formidable opponent in a scrabble game and never missed the chance to do a crossword puzzle, lexicon, or any word game for that matter.
Carrie's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Cumberland Regional Health Care for their kind and thoughtful care that made Carrie's final days so comfortable.
Arrangements are under the care and supervision of the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst (902-667-8777) where a celebration of Carrie's life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Donations in memory of Carrie may be made to the VON or the charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Carrie's online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.