Obituary of Islay Browne

Islay Robertson Browne, beloved mother, grandmother, and loyal friend passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at the age of 88 years. Islay was born May 7, 1920 in Winnipeg, MB, a daughter of David Moffat and Margaret Jane Gray. In her youth, Islay found school a breeze and sailed through her grades with honours. Her pastimes included playing baseball and she enjoyed competing in track and field events, becoming a hurdles and high jump champion. Islay also became an accomplished pianist and her keyboarding skills later found her a typist’s job at a Winnipeg law office. Across the years, Islay would keep in contact with distant family and friends by means of her treasured typewriter. On October 16, 1943, Islay married Robert Gordon Browne, whom she had met on a ski trip. The pair skied into their fifties and were cruise ship enthusiasts into their eighties. Islay was a keen bridge strategist and remained a formidable Scrabble opponent all her life. Islay tirelessly gave of herself to her family. She had an optimistic disposition and uplifted everyone around her with kind words and gestures. Islay is survived by her loving children and their spouses, David (Colleen), Margaret (Gordon) Burrell, Gary (Dawn), Nancy (Randy) Matthews, all of Calgary, and Dan (Colleen) of Budapest. She will also be missed by her beloved grandchildren, Steven (Jen), Ryan, Ian, and Nathaniel. Islay was predeceased by her cherished husband Robert and her dear brother Corbett Gray. The family would like to thank the staff at Chinook Hospice for their compassionate care of Mom. Forward condolences through . In living memory of Islay Browne, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.