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Yvonne BROWN Obituary
1940 - 2016
It is with sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Yvonne Margaret Rose Brown at the St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care on the morning of March 5, 2016, with her husband Dr. F. Barry Brown by her side. Yvonne waged a courageous ten-month battle with cancer and had just returned to St. Paul's after a six-week home-stay surrounded by her family, friends, and colleagues. Throughout her illness, Yvonne maintained a positive outlook and took great joy in visiting with her family and friends.
Yvonne was born in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan, to parents Margareta Isabella (Bella) Forsman (Johanson) and Ernest Bror Forsman. Yvonne attended school in Strasbourg prior to entering the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan in 1958 where she earned a BSN and BA with Great Distinction, as well as a subsequent M.C.Ed. in 1983. Yvonne is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. F. Barry Brown, and two children, son Tyson Barry Brown (Erin), with grandchildren Vanessa, Candice, and Ellie Brown; and daughter Tanya Lee Cestnick (née Brown), with grandchildren Alanna, Kimberly, Celsa , and Jonathan Cestnick; and special daughter Guofang Li (Dan Steel), with grandchildren Francis, Patrick, and Amanda Steel; brother Dr. Roger Forsman (Lois) and sisters Estelle Graham and Joyce Lee, brothers/sisters-in law Bob Brown (Elaine), Les Brown(deceased) (Linda), Irene Brown (Les), Jim Brown (Verna), Janette Kelln (Robert), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Yvonne had a long and distinguished career in Health Sciences culminating in eleven years as Dean of the College of Nursing, 1989-2000. Other milestones include: General Duty Nurse, University Hospital, 1963-64; Lecturer in Anatomy and Physiology, Centralized Teaching Program, 1964-66; Clinical Instructor in Obstetrical Nursing, University of Saskatchewan School of Nursing,1966-67; Sessional Lecturer,1975-81; Lecturer,1981-83; Assistant Dean, 1986-1989; Professor Emeritus, 2008-present. Yvonne published numerous articles and participated in a major nursing textbook and history of the College of Nursing. Yvonne received many awards, medals, and scholarships throughout her academic career: AMTEC (Association for Media and Technology in Education in Canada) Award of Excellence for Instructional Videotape, produced jointly with Professor B. Calder, June, 1984; AMTEC Media Festival's "Chairman's Choice" award for videotape "Postpartum Assessment" produced with B. Calder, 1986; SRNA (Saskatoon Chapter) Award for Excellence in Nursing Administration, April 2000;SRNA Elizabeth von Valkenburg Award for Leadership in Nursing Education, May 2000; Yvonne Brown Award for Nursing Excellence, established by the SRNA in 2000; as well as two awards, one for Saskatoon site student and one for Regina site student, for a graduating four-year degree student with the highest cumulative nursing average during the total program. Yvonne was also voted Woman of Distinction, Leadership and Management, YWCA, June 7, 2007.
Yvonne and her husband travelled the world consulting and teaching; a highlight was taking ten annual groups of nursing students to India for their international experience course. Yvonne was a consummate gardener and gourmet cook and loved spending time at the family retreat at Little Bear Lake. Yvonne will be missed by a legion of students, staff, faculty, friends, and especially family, all of whom she touched in so many ways throughout her life. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.ca/ donate/). A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at the University of Saskatchewan University (Faculty) Club on Sunday, March 20, 2016 between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. (program at 2:30). A Committal Service will take place at the Columbarium at St. John's Cathedral. Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home
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42 Entries
DORIA Melville
April 20, 2016
I have been thinking of you all since I heard from Yvonne at Christmas time. Yvonne was a kind, compassionate & courageous soul. I witnessed this in our time together in India, as a 4th year nursing student, & as she helped me to get into my Pediatric NP schooling by writing me a lovely reference.
She will be missed.
Jan Mckenzie
April 13, 2016
It was with great shock that I learned of Yvonne's death. She was two years my senior in nursing school and was a peer, mentor and friend throughout our professional lives. Her contributions to nursing were exceptional and she influenced many with her caring dedicated way. Rest in peace dear friend. Your legacy will be remembered.
Condolences to Barry and family for your loss.
April 8, 2016
Barry, I just heard today about Yvonne's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I was in Florida at our villa for the month of March. This was my first visit since Tony's passing in December. If you want to talk to someone who has been through a similar situation, then please phone me and we can chat. Hugs to you. Lin Whitworth
April 6, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Sue Piot
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Denise Kouri
March 31, 2016
My condolences to the family. The loss of Yvonne is a loss for us all. The Faculty Club ceremony was very interesting and moving. I remember Yvonne for her support of the Mozambique project my husband Don Kossick and I were involved in, along with Gerri and Murray Dickson. Yvonne was very supportive of that part of the program that focused on engaging positively and respectfully with Saskatoon's westside core communities, and I admired her for that.
Roxanne Laforge
March 21, 2016
My sincere condolences to all of Yvonne's family. I was fortunate to have Yvonne as a teacher when I was in the BSN program and then later as a colleague and mentor in my work with the College of Nursing. I will always remember her for her ability to be articulate, professional and respectful when stating her opinions, and incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Nursing as a profession. She was a great inspiration and a wonderful mentor and role model for many colleagues over the years. Yvonne was always approachable and down to earth and I will always remember her for her genuine warmth of spirit. She was respected and valued by all her knew her and will be greatly missed. The lessons she taught all of us, though, will continue to live on as her legacy to us.
Dianne Miller
March 19, 2016
Sincere condolences to all who experience her loss.
Deborah Black
March 16, 2016
To Barry, Tanya & Tyson
I am so sorry for your loss. I only just heard about Yvonne's passing.
Working with Yvonne and Barb on the videos that won both AMTEC awards was an absolute pleasure, an my respect for her knowledge, wisdom, insight, and vision, is enormous.
What a loss to the world, as well as to your family.
Peggy MacLeod
March 16, 2016
Yvonne taught me, and then hired me when she was Dean. She led us through the maze of bureaucracy to make baccalaureate as entry a reality for Saskatchewan.
She became a valued colleague when she completed her term as Dean and helped organize and insure the best for students and faculty alike. She was fair, pragmatic and so very competent. I was always amazed at what she did outside of her busy work life and she was good company, comfortable in any situation.
A colleague in the Master's program and I remarked at how when she read our theses, she edited and found corrections that everyone else had overlooked. Attention to details and thoughtful gestures were her trademarks. She brightened the way for many of us.
My sincere sympathies to Barry, Tyson, Tanya and families.
March 14, 2016
Deepest sympathy to you Barry and to your family. Erwin and Elaine Hack
Karyn Wog
March 14, 2016
Dr. Brown (Barry) Tanya, Tyson and Families.
I was very saddened to hear of Yvonne's passing. She was a great lady and she, and all your family, made me feel very welcome in your home. With all her accomplishments, she was warm, welcoming and down to earth - never 'putting on airs'. A great Prairie Girl! Her lover of gardening and lilies are my favorite memories.
Tanya - my sympathies on the passing of your mom.
~Karyn
Edwin and Ann Ralph
March 14, 2016
To Barry, Tanya, Tyson, and families:
We extend our sincere condolences to all of you at this time.
Ann especially remembers with appreciation Yvonne's dedication and approachabilty as a skilled nursing instructor.
Jane & Danny Vaughn
March 12, 2016
Our condolences to you and your family Barry. We have had great admiration of Yvonne's many accomplishments with both family and career since we first meet at the Hotel de Coronado in 1986. May you gather comfort in your loss from the family, friends and memories that surround you.
Kristine Byers
March 11, 2016
Dear Barry and Family,
My deepest sympathies to you. I traveled with Yvonne and Barry to Australia for an international nursing practicum in 2015. The experience that you both provided for us in Australia continues to be one of my most valued experiences of my life.
Yvonne was my mentor in nursing school and we kept in touch for years after graduation. Sending you love xo
Lori Lockinger
March 11, 2016
Yvonne was Dean of Nursing when I was a student but I got to know her better through my job at the Centre for Ag Med at the U of S. Yvonne was a wonderful person, a great mentor, and an approachable nursing professor. She will be missed.
Bonnie (Scott)Teklenburg
March 10, 2016
My deepest sympathies Barry and family. Yvonne was an amazing lady and has been a true inspiration to me after being a great mentor when she took a group of us to Mossman, Australia for a nursing practicum in 2005. I have ended up back nursing in Oz and New Zealand, and I think she would be happy to know the guy I met in Mossman is now my husband and father of my two kids. Will never forget her or you Barry you were so good to us xx
Gail Prior
March 10, 2016
Dear Barry and family,
So glad we had the time to spend together at Little Bear Lake.Still remembering Yvonne's homemade raspberry jam and many Sunday morning breakfasts.Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned. With our love, Gail and Ray-Oliver, B.C.
Kate Thompson
March 10, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dean Brown - she was a great leader at the University of Saskatchewan and for Saskatchewan nurses as a whole. I remember her kindness and mentorship when I was on student council - she'll be missed.
Debbie
March 10, 2016
My deepest condolences to Yvonne's family. I'm one of those student's Yvonne inspired. I was 38 yrs. old and scared spitless of obtaining my degree. I was a post-RN and on 2 occasions threw my books across the room and wanted to quit. Yvonne, in her quiet and humorous way counselled me to continue. She wasn't phased by my taking too many classes my final year and that they discovered I didn't have Gr. 12 Algebra...she said you have Trigonometry which is harder anyway...so your forgiven (lol). Under her guidance and to my surprise I graduated with Great Distinction and won the University Prize in Nursing. Now that's a mentor!! Thank you Yvonne for supporting and having faith in me. As a BScN I have worked in my dream job and I have you to thank for it. Rest in peace Obi Wan.
Glen Dean
March 9, 2016
To Barry and Family,
I was sorry to hear of Yvonne's passing. She was such a kind and caring individual. It was my privilege to know and serve her as her accountant for many years. May time help you through this most difficult time.
March 9, 2016
Hi Barry and Family
Very sorry to receive the news of Yvonne's passing. Deepest sympathy to you all. Have good memories of Yvonne's company. Heather and Dave Kerr, Wanaka NZ
March 9, 2016
My condolences to you and your family Barry. May the memories you hold dear of Yvonne be of comfort to you at this time. Wanda and Norbert Schidlowsky (nee Boehmer, Grace's granddaughter)
Rodger Graham
March 9, 2016
Such a privilege to have had Yvonne as an aunt. I am going to miss her. She and Barry both have had a positive influence on my life and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. Kind, caring, wise, funny, insightful, clever, warm, open... Well the list of Yvonne's attributes goes on doesn't it.
My condolences to the Brown family.
Janice Ernst
March 9, 2016
Barry, Tanya, Tyson, and families. My sincere condolences on this sad news. May God give you strength and healing through this difficult time.
Janice Ernst
March 9, 2016
Barry, Tanya, Tyson.....our sympathy, love and prayers are with you. We know that Yvonne is with the Lord, her parents and grandparents. With our caring. Myrtle (Downey) and Neil Snider
Connie
March 9, 2016
I'm so very sorry for your loss! I have fond memories of Yvonne From our nursing trip to India in 2008. She will be missed!
March 9, 2016
Barry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Yvonne was such a lovely, warm person. She will be missed.
March 9, 2016
I never worked with Yvonne as my Dean nor did I have an opportunity to work with her a long time as a colleague. Nevertheless, I will always remember her luminous smile and keen sense of humour. My condolences to the family. Louise Racine, Associate Professor, CoN, Saskatoon.
Marg Olfert
March 9, 2016
Yvonne will be remembered as a warm and wise nurse leader, driven to accomplish her vision of nursing and nursing education. She was instrumental in achieving the baccalaureate degree as entry to practice in Saskatchewan. She did this with her intelligence, collaborative nature, and determination. My sincere condolences to her family and those close to her. She will be missed.
Kathy Rodger
March 9, 2016
Yvonne was a wonderful nursing leader, mentor and colleague. I will always treasure her clear direction, sense of humor and kindness. My deepest sympathy for the loss of a dear lady.
Eileen Zagiel
March 9, 2016
So sorry to hear about Yvonne's passing. My thoughts are with Barry, Tanya, and Tyson (as well as extended family) at this very difficult time.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Yvonne in the College of Nursing and will always remember her as a great person.
The Schwiers
March 8, 2016
Something's not right with the Universe now that Yvonne's not in it. She was a passionate woman, a loyal friend, great teacher and mentor not only to her nursing students but to anyone who wanted to live life more fully. A good friend with a great sense of humour and sharp wit, she remains part of our lives and in our hearts. All our love to Barry, Tyson, Tanya and family. Karin, Rick and Jim Schwier
Natasha Phillipson
March 8, 2016
I was very sorry to hear of " Dean Bowns" passing...she was a bright light in my life as I traveled thru the College of Nursing. She always had an uplifting word for her students and a genuine smile....I remember taking a class with her, and every second example she used, highlighted how proud she was of her family. I will cherish these memories and pass along by deepest condolences to the family. xoxo Natasha
Lois Berry
March 8, 2016
Yvonne was a tremendous leader in nursing in this province. Her commitment to the support and success of Aboriginal students, and her strategic leadership to promote the baccalaureate degree as the entry to nursing practice in SK are but two of her significant contributions. We are better for having her, and share with Barry and family in mourning the loss of a leader, friend and colleague.
Lois Jonson
March 7, 2016
Another sad loss for our family. Sincere condolences to all of you. Lois Jonson
Donna Johnson
March 7, 2016
Condolences to you, Barry, and your family. Yvonne was a wonderful mentor to many nursing students. Our daughter, Christine, will always cherish her memories of India during her nursing practicum, which she was so fortunate to travel to because of Yvonne. And it was great to see both of you at the wedding in the fall of 2014. Take care & cherish all the good memories!
Doris & Fred Melberg
March 7, 2016
May fond memories of Yvonne bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and Smile at the fact that you were able to share these before she passed away.
Love, Fred and Doris Melberg
Whitehorse, Yukon
Elaine Wright
March 7, 2016
Dear Barry and family: you were so gracious to open your home to the crazy 6 from Regina.You made the best seafood chowder (I still have the recipe that I will cherish forever). Love and prayers from Elaine Burnett Class of 1981.
Barbar Jiricka
March 7, 2016
Yvonne's kindness and caring were wonderful qualities for her chosen profession as a nurse and also as a wife and mom. Sincere sympathy on your loss.
sherrill miller
March 7, 2016
Dear Barry, Tyson and family -- such sweet memories over so many years of good times Courtney and I spent with you at Big Bear and here in Saskatoon. My heart is with you. Love Sherrill
Kate and Bruce Hobin
March 7, 2016
Barry and family, we are saddened to learn of Yvonne's passing. She is fondly remembered through our years together on the Faculty Club Board and the social gatherings we shared to enjoy Mexican food and gourmet dinners. She was a leader in her field who was passionate about her work but never more so than her passion for family. May she rest in peace. Our deepest condolences.
March 7, 2016
Dear Barry & family. I'm so sorry to learn of Yvonne's passing. I cherish the good memories of her from our last two nursing reunions - she hosted us at your home in '14 and was in Moose Jaw in '15. I'll miss her newsy emails. Heartfelt condolences to you, your children & grandchildren, may wonderful memories live in your hearts forever.
Merviana (Yakimchuk) Cheveldayoff
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338 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2L7
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