March 9, 1920 - January 4, 2009
Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Ida was the only daughter and middle child in a family of six brothers. This distinction encouraged traits of independence and self-confidence she carried throughout her life. At the age of 15, following the death of her father, Percy, Ida remained in Charlottetown to finish college, while her mother, Rachel and her brothers moved to Toronto. During the Second World War, Ida served in the Women's Royal Naval Service working to decipher enemy communications. Following the war she took a job with Trans-Canada Airlines. In 1949, Ida married Harold Brown a recent graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. The newlyweds moved to Palo Alto, California, where "Hal" opened his practice and they started a family. First, their son Rick was born, followed soon after by two daughters, Sandi and Shari. Over the course of 30 years, Ida and Hal built a large and successful enterprise, first in the field of Chiropractics and later in real estate investment. In those years they kept a busy social calendar. The large ranch-style home they eventually purchased in Los Altos was the scene of frequent pool and theme parties, traditional Hawaiian luaus, fashion shows and cocktail gatherings, along with the occasional wedding. They were also part owners of the "Mountain House" a ski lodge where many a fun-filled winter weekend was passed. Through it all, Ida juggled multiple roles as office manager, property manager, bookkeeper, community volunteer and most importantly, mother - The heart of Ida's life was family. In 1980, looking for new horizons and opportunities, Ida and Hal established permanent residence in the Cayman Islands. Once there, they continued to expand their successful real estate business, which remained a touchstone of Ida's life right up to her passing. After her years in Canada and growing a family and business in California, the Cayman Islands became Ida's true and final home. Ida survived Hal by 10 years, during which she became a world traveler and developed an intense passion for the game of Bridge, playing several times a week. She was also active as a volunteer and supporter of the Garden Club, the International Ladies Club, The Pink Ladies, and the Hospice Society. In life, Ida's youthful exuberance and love of laughter, her sharp and inquisitive mind, social nature and generous heart, endeared her to many. For all her accomplishments, she was humble and uncomplicated, caring little for the trappings of her success. It was her wish to be buried in Prospect Cemetery, Grand Cayman, next to her beloved husband, Hal. Ida is survived by her brothers, Gordon, George and William; her children, Rick, Sandi and Shari; her seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Through Ida's generous, loving and caring heart she touched the lives of everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by all her family and those who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. A memorial celebration of Ida's life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009, 10 a.m. at the Church of God Chapel on Walker's Road, Grand Cayman Island. In lieu of flowers or condolences, the family would appreciate donations to the Hospice Society in your community.

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