Obituary of Helga Karen Brown

Helga Karen Brown (nee Stortroen)

Passing with dignity and grace in Markham with family by her side on Thursday June 16, 2022 at the age of 87 years. Helga, beloved wife of the late Stuart (2007). Loving Mother of Kimberley Bressan (Lorenzo), Stephen Brown (Kitty), the late Barbara Gibb (2022) (Tom Kadlecik), Karen Franko (Jim), Heather Garsone (Danny). Loving grandmother of Kerri (Chris Reath), Trevor, Tyler (Edward Watson), Joshua (Andrea), Matthew (Hanna), Chris, Michael, Paul, Vanessa (Tim White) and Joey. Very proud great grandmother to Theodore (Teddy) Brown. Sister to Elsa May Rene de Cotret (Michel) and Irma Passi (Henry). Loved aunt to many nephews and nieces.

She truly loved her family and beamed with love every time she spoke about her children, grandchildren and her great grandson Teddy. Helga loved life and people to the fullest. She always made everyone feel special when they were around her, because they were to her. She shared her love with family and friends of which she had many. Born in Timmins, Ontario growing up in Porcupine she loved the northern outdoors.

Her parents who were immigrants from Finland (Elsa) and Norway (Magne) were very influential in her life. She left Timmins to attend Ottawa Civic Hospital Nursing School, graduating in 1956. After several years of nursing Helga’s career was put on hold to raise her 5 children while Stuart’s career at Imperial Oil led the family to Ottawa, Toronto, Huntsville, Timmins, Chatham, London, Markham, Sutton and finally back to Markham. Helga was a long-time member of the Therapeutic Touch Community in Ontario she also recently authored the revised version of her father’s Magne Stortroen’s book, “Immigrant in Porcupine” in 2019. Helga resided at Cedarcrest Manor in Markham for 12 years and was a beloved member of the community. Her zest for life was felt by everyone she came in contact with.

Much gratitude to Dr. Andrew Patterson, nurse Mehti and the staff at Chartwell Rouge Valley for the compassionate care given to Helga in her final days.

Friends will be received at the Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main Street N. (Markham Road) Markham on Wednesday June 22 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 23, at 11:00 am in the chapel.  Reception to follow.   In lieu of flowers donations to Evergreen Hospice in Markham would be appreciated.

Funeral Livestream

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