BROWN, RALPHINE "DEE" - It is with great sadness that the family of Ralphine "Dee" (Venner/Bailey) Brown announce her passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on July 18, 2013 after a valiant struggle with a sudden illness. Dee was born on October 30, 1941 in Fredericton to Ralph and Alfreda (Ryan) Venner Elliott. She grew up in Marysville and graduated in 1959 from Fredericton High School. After spreading her wings and moving to Ottawa to work for the Federal government, Dee quickly learned that her heart was in NB with family. She returned home, married and was blessed with two adored daughters. Dee worked throughout her adult life for various employers including NBTel, Maritime Moving and Storage, and owned and operated several small home based businesses. She retired from the Federal Government GST division. Dee was a highly intelligent, determined and creative woman. She was admired and respected for her amazing ability to persevere in spite of the odds. Whether it was learning a new skill or battling sarcoidosis, she never complained and always found a way to make the best of the simple pleasures of life. Dee was a very talented knitter, seamstress and quilter. She loved all crafts and shared her talents with many. Her gifts, always personalized and made with love, are treasured by her family. Every year, Dee looked forward to the end of winter so she could get to the lake. She spent her early years at Grand Lake and later at Keenes Lake and Pleasant Lake in Maine. She loved to swim, and to wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the fresh country air. She valued hard work, loved a funny story and enjoyed a good practical joke, especially with her grandchildren. Dee encouraged strength of character and inspired confidence. Her message to her loved ones was always "don't worry, everything will be okay". Dee is survived by her husband, Donnie, her mother Freda Elliot of Fredericton, her daughters Susan (Stuart) Campbell of Minneapolis and Kim (Scott) Phillips of Willow Grove; step children Bonnie (Billy) Atkins of Moncton, NB., Terry (Debbie) Brown, Wendy Stewart, Tanya (Brian) Brown of Saint John, NB., and Kyla (Paul) Brown of Hamilton, ON; her cherished grandchildren Lauryn, Conor, Noah and Julia - (they were her pride and joy) her sisters Carol (Les) Dickson, Judy Venner and Susan (Karl) Keffer, all of Fredericton; as well as several nieces and nephews. Dee is pre-deceased by her father Ralph and her brother David. Dee will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest easy in the arms of Angels beautiful blue eyed lady. Thank you to all the nurses in the SICU and to Dr. West for all the support and care you gave during this difficult time.
Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home (230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB). In keeping with Dee's wishes, there will be no visitation. The funeral service will be held from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, July 23 at 2:00 P.M. A private interment will take place in Marysville, NB., at a later date. Remembrances made to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research or the charity of the donor's choice in Dee's memory would be appreciated by the family. To sign the book of condolence or to place a memorial donation, please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com