Sutherland, Noreen Barbara — 65, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2011 at the Brooks Health Centre in Brooks, Alberta surrounded by her loving family. Noreen fought a long battle with cancer while enjoying quality time with her family. She was born on May 16, 1945 in Windsor, Nova Scotia to Raymond and Annie (Watson) Brown. Noreen was the second oldest of 11 children and always helped with her younger siblings. She married Doug Sutherland on March 2, 1963. In 1977, together with their two children, they moved to Williams Lake, British Columbia. In 1997, Noreen and Doug moved to Brooks, AB to be closer to their daughter Tina and their grandchildren. Noreen was a “people” person with a great sense of humour and she enjoyed working with the public. Over the years, she experienced different jobs working with people, but her favorite was being the Brooks Animal Control Officer and Shelter Manager for the Brooks Animal Protection Society. She loved the animals and was a “voice” for them, always battling to have the bylaws changed for the betterment of the animals. She was not shy to speak out when it involved animal treatment. She was a very maternal person, standing up to any man or beast to protect children and animals. Noreen wrote articles for the local newspaper with the intent to help educate the public on proper animal care. She also wrote articles for the Hervey Foundation For Cats “Mews Letter”. Family was very important to her and she often stated her favourite times were family get-togethers. She also enjoyed writing, scrapbooking, taking photos of animals, humour, her Bouvier dogs, and her little sidekick spaniel Sally Sue. Noreen did not practice organized religion. She was a very spiritual person and believed God was everywhere, and it is how you live your life that mattered to our superior. Predeceased by her father Raymond Brown in 2003; her son Kevin in 1984; her twin daughters Anna Leah and Joyce Beth in 1979; nephews Korbin McKay in 1997 and Joey Whitehead in 1960; her beloved Bouvier Gunner in 2010, and Sally Sue in 2011. Noreen is survived by her husband of 48 years Doug Sutherland; daughter Tina Rice (Ken) of Rainier, AB and three grandchildren: Ryan Kiemele, Natasha Rice, both of Brooks and Corrina Jane of Rainier; mother Annie Brown; siblings: Leanna Murphy (Jack), Corey Brown (Sheila), Kathy Hartt-Magee (Percy), Andy Brown (Sharon), Laura Caldwell (Brian) all of Nova Scotia; Marilynn Smith (John) of Brooks; Joyce McConkey (Jim), Seldon Brown (Trudy), Richard Brown (Linda), Tim Brown (Mary Lou) all of Williams Lake, BC and numerous nieces and nephews. Noreen took on the role as a grandmother to nephew Andrew T. Brown, nieces: Annie (McConkey) Glanville, and Sara McConkey all of Williams Lake, BC; nephew Thomas McConkey of Brooks. Noreen had a special relationship with her niece Meaghan Francis of Calgary, AB. She is also survived by her two Bouvier dogs Terra and Pepper. Cremation will take place and the remains will be taken to Williams Lake, BC where a private family service will be held, followed by a family get-together to celebrate Noreen’s life. In memory of Noreen, donations may be made to the Brooks Animal Protection Society, P.O. Box 86, Brooks, Alberta, T1R 1B2. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, Brooks, AB.