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Mary “Pauline” Brown
April 12, 2025
BROWN, Mary “Pauline” – With deep sadness, we announce that Pauline passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at the Louise Marshall Hospital on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the age of 96. Pauline is predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Kenneth Brown (2002). Loving mother of Sharon Brown and her husband Robert Roller, and Gary Brown, of Mount Forest. Remembered dearly by her grandchildren Adam, Jesse and Betty-Ann, and great-grandchildren. Survived by her sister-in-law Maxine Scott as well as many nieces and nephews. Pauline is predeceased by her siblings: Bob Scott, Reta Rawn (Lyle), and Edith Preston (Grant); sister-in-law Beatrice Thomas; and brother-in-law Forbes Brown.
Pauline was born in Dundalk where after 2.5-mile hikes to public school with her siblings, she completed high school in Dundalk, followed by Toronto Normal School (Teacher’s College). At age 18, she began teaching in one room schools in Proton Twp., then Riverstown, Arthur Twp. Then came the new consolidated school in Kenilworth where she filled many roles beyond teaching primary grades. She introduced computers, trained in gifted special ed, and was librarian for an enthusiastic 45+ years. In 1980, Pauline and Ken moved from mixed farming to a less choreful life of gardening just north of Mount Forest. In retirement, she tutored, then found a calling volunteering from the early days of the Mount Forest Museum & Archives. She became Chief Archivist from 2011-2020. She was a devoted lifelong member of Mount Forest United Church attending many meetings and put her heart into the United Church’s Resource Center. Later she was an avid member of the Mount Forest Motivators Toastmasters. She even transitioned to Zoom during the covid years, she enjoyed it so much. Not being one to give into eyesight and physical challenges, she continued daily to love solving online jigsaw puzzles, Wordle (hazel last word) and reading on her Kindle into early April. Pauline’s enduring goodwill and love and even a stoically wry sense of humour at one’s moments of outrage will be greatly missed by family.
Visitation will be held at the England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, on Thursday, April 24th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Mount Forest United Church, 175 Queen Street East, Mount Forest, on Friday, April 25th at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, all are invited to the church hall for refreshments and fellowship. Private interment at Mount Forest Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Pauline are asked to consider Mount Forest Museum and Archives, Mount Forest United Church or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences
Please accept our sympathy at the loss of a mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. We have heard many wonderful stories about her from our priest, Fr. Adam Brown, who is her grandson.
Janet and Lloyd McDiarmid from St. John's Anglican Church in Lancaster, On
My condolences to the family on your loss of Pauline. She taught all of my children at the Kenilworth school. She was always kind and patient with her students and they enjoyed being in her classroom. She will be missed in the community here in Mount Forest where she was actively involved.
— Gladys Stevenson, April 18, 2025My condolences to the family on your loss of Pauline. She taught all of my children at Kenilworth and was always kind and patient with her class. She will be missed in her community where she was actively involved in many events.
— Gladys Stevenson, April 18, 2025Dear Sharon, Robert & Gary, We remember Aunt Pauline for being a very eloquent lady. She will be missed by all. Our sincere condolences.
— Julie & Doug Barrett, April 18, 2025Condolences Sharon, Robert, Gary and extended family. Pauline had a very long and happy life never saw her without a smile on her face
Deb and Frank
My deepest sympathy to Sharon, Robert and Gary. I have fond memories of Aunt Pauline. She was a smart lady in every aspect of life. She will be missed by all. Here is a picture of Aunt Pauline and her siblings - Rita, Bob & Edith. This is at Bob's birthday party in 2011.
My sympathy to all of Pauline's family members at this time. I will miss our telephone conversations and e-mails
— Margaret Dally, April 17, 2025Our deepest sympathy to all of Paulines family at this time. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Pauline and my mother( Dorothy Reid) had some wonderful times together and that is how I got to know Pauline so well . Loved her joy of life, sense of style..we shared many wonderful notes and emails over the years I will so miss that..huge northern hugs to all the family.
— Sharon Martin ( Reid), April 16, 2025I am so sorry to hear of Pauline's passing. She was such a bright light at Mount Forest United. Some of the creative shenanigans that she and Dorothy Reid got up to over the years are forever instilled in my memory. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew and loved Pauline through her long and well-lived life.
— Sheryl Spencer, April 16, 2025My deepest condolences to Pauline's family. I have known Pauline for many years through teaching, Retired Women Teachers Organization and through volunteering at the Mount Forest Museum & Archives. Pauline was an inspiration to all of us at the Archives. She enjoyed her time there and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. Pauline was a wonderful lady who will be missed by many!
— Joan Woods, April 16, 2025My condolences to Sharon, Gary and the family. Your mom meant a lot to me. She was Miss Scott and then Mrs. Brown to us. She was my teacher and my friend from grade one to grade 8. I was the only one in my grade for all eight years except for about six months before the Priebe boys moved away. She was aware of how rough things got sometimes at my home and she was my rock. I was not in contact with her for about 40 years, but I’m so happy that I met her a couple of years ago at The Spot and we had coffee. I needed her to know what influence she had on my life. Her teaching and her overall outlook on life has had an impact that I hope I have passed on to my kids, grandkids and great grandkids. A truly wonderful lady.
Jim Stevenson
Calgary
My memories of Pauline all always be connected to teaching and Mount Forest United church. This was where we had the common interests. There was always lots of things to share. I often supplied for Pauline as a teacher in Kenilworth. Pauline will live on in our memories as a wonderful Lady....Rest In Peace, Pauline.
So sorry to hear of Pauline's passing, my deepest condolences to Gary, Sharon, Adam, Jesse, Betty-Ann, and the entire family.
May she rest in peace.
To Sharon, Robert, Gary & Pauline's grand children. I send you my condolences on the loss of your Mom & Grandma. I met Pauline when I was 18 years old & have some real nice memories of her & Ken at their farm. I was truly saddened to hear of her sudden passing. She was such a sweet, beautiful lady🪻 May you find peace & healing in your memories of her. Rest in peace & may God bless you Pauline. Joan Stevens
— Joan Stevens, April 16, 2025Sincere condolences. I worked with Pauline in the Mount Forest United Church resource center1q
— Marjorie Young, April 15, 2025When I moved to Mount Forest eleven years ago, I met Pauline at the Mount Forest United Church. We became friends in the church resource centre. We had many laughs while attending to the jobs of dusting the books and deciding who would get down on the floor to file the bottom shelves. It was usually me being the youngest and Pauline handing me the books. It was a great time, and on Sundays, we would open the door, and members would come after the service, some with their children and choose their books while the parents made their choice. It was a great way for me to meet the church members as I was new to Mount Forest and raising my three-year-old grandchild. I think it was the best move my deceased husband and I could have made on his retirement, even if I didn't know of or heard of Mount Forest. I think of Pauline often and will continue to do so. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Marjorie Young
Pauline was such a wonderful lady. She had a calmness about her and always a smile. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. I will remember her always
— Paula Solway, April 15, 2025I am sad to hear that Pauline has passed but thankful that I did have the opportunity to get to know her. I met her at the Retired Teachers lunches and then continued with our common interest in local history. I am with the Harriston Historical Society and enjoyed our exchange of items and information that ended up in Mt. Forest or Harriston and we returned it to its rightful home. She was always such a delightful inspiring lady who will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mary Jean Hartwig
Pauline was an inspiration for us all. I remember her from her teaching days at Kenilworth and then met her again many years later when I moved back to Mount Forest and joined her, volunteering, at the United Church Resource Center. She was such an enthusiastic leader and mentor. She will be missed by so many people.
— Mary Allen, April 15, 2025Sharon, Bob & Gary.
Please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of your mom. Although I never saw her often, when we did meet it was always a joyful conversation! Throughout my life I have been constantly reminded of the many things Pauline taught me, while I had the opportunity to live with her in the late 1970s.
I'm reminded of her incredible work ethic and how amazingly strong 'Lady Pauline' was. She went to school in Kenilworth the exact same time everyday and that was after milking 40 cows! A true farmer, the kindest of hearts and an educator of so many children. I real gem of a human being. I will remember her fondly-forever. Those who were fortunate enough to have Pauline as a friend, as a parent and as an acquaintance were truly blessed. May the coming days offer you quiet reflection, wonderful memories you can laugh about and a time of healing. Knowing that so many people adored Pauline, puts a smile on my face & her love in my heart. Sincerely Jane 💖
Sincere sympathy to the family. A great lady and a great volunteer with lots of enthusiasm . Pauline will be missed in the community. Rev. Russell & Marilyn Rogers
— Russell and Marilyn, April 15, 2025I remember 'working' with Pauline when the Archives was becoming established. Such a wonderful gentle lady you'd be hard pressed to have in your life. She was a wonderful lady and a real inspiratin. Rest in Peace, Pauline.
— Helen McMeekin, April 15, 2025