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BORN
1947
DIED
2023
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Regina BROWNE Obituary
September 23, 1947 - January 1, 2023
It is with heavy and grateful hearts we announce the passing of Gina, a devoted mother, loving wife, admired grandmother, cherished sister and aunt, lifelong friend, and general force of nature. Over the span of 50+ years, she was a dedicated nurse, internationally renowned professor and researcher, and compassionate family therapist. She is survived by her children, Joseph A. III (Emma Corosky) and Dillon T. (Tracey Goddard), and grandchildren (Frederick Joseph, Greta Lilian). Gina was preceded in her journey to heaven by the love of her life, dedicated husband, and best friend of over forty years, Joseph ("Jay") A. II, (1930-2013), who passed peacefully at home in a very similar fashion, after Christmas.
Gina was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, daughter of Robert ("Bob") Edmund Bohn (b. 1920) and Juliette Joseph Bisig (b. 1917). She had six remarkable brothers, survived by Robert (Judy), Charles (Martha), Nicholas, and John, and was predeceased by Michael and George. Gina was also one of six vivacious sisters, survived by Dorothy, Margaret, Elizabeth (Robert), and Rita (John), and predeceased by Juliette. She had 22 nieces and nephews, and 21 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
As a girl in Louisville, Gina attended Presentation Academy college-preparatory high school, followed by Spalding University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. By the end of her studies in Louisville, Gina had found her professional and spiritual calling, caring for the sick and downtrodden while supporting dignity, health, and well-being. As such, she moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to complete a Master of Science in Nursing. Here, she met a life-long friend who invited her to Canada, joining the Faculty of Nursing at McMaster University in 1971. She met her husband (Jay) at McMaster University who had providentially and independently immigrated from Kentucky (Ashland) after leaving the priesthood and was working as a psychiatric social worker. Married in 1974, Gina and Jay pursued doctoral studies together at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. For the rest of their lives, they had a spectacular and cherished network of friends who became the de facto "Canadian Family".
Gina spent her career as a Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University, using sharp clinical insights from decades of nursing and family therapy to inform paradigm changing programs of prevention, intervention, and clinical science. A lifelong pragmatist, utilitarian, and exponent of social welfare, she was especially invested in devising and evaluating programs that "worked better and cost less", particularly for vulnerable families who relied on both health and social services. Championing models of "integrated care", she founded the Health and Social Service Utilization Research Unit in 1991, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and directed by Gina for the next 25 years, where she had the joy of working alongside brilliant colleagues and friends, mostly women.
Garnering $25 million in research funding, Gina has been awarded the field's highest distinctions, including the Health Promotion and Innovation Award of Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Child Health, and the Parks and Recreation Ontario President's Award of Distinction. She was the 2005 recipient of the National Award for Excellence in Nursing Research from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. In 2009, Gina received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) for addressing social inequality through nursing. In September 2010, Gina was awarded the Champion of Human Services Award from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association in recognition of her significant impact on services at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. In 2012, she gave the opening keynote to the Canadian Nurses Association on healthcare transformation and was inducted as a Fellow into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. In 2013, she received the Excellence through Evidence Award of the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement. Gina retired as Professor Emeritus in 2015. In 2019, she was inducted into the McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences Community of Distinction, identified as "a distinguished researcher, scholar and educator" whose work "improved lives of countless individuals and their families". Her approach has been applied across Canada and the globe. Gina mentored many students of nursing and clinical science and spent 40 years working as a family therapist in primary care.
Following an illustrious career, she dedicated her life to reading, playing the piano, spirituality, faith, mindfulness meditation, family, and her famous Log Cabin, where she held the annual Kentucky Derby party, which marked her wedding anniversary with Jay. With grace, strength, acceptance, gratitude, humour, and dignity, she eventually became a humble recipient of the very healthcare services she helped to shape. Gina was also a longstanding parishioner of Holy Rosary Church.
Visitation and tributes at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. Tributes at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 287 Plains Rd. E, Burlington, on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, a gift to Big Brothers and Big Sisters would be appreciated (haltonhamilton.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/donate/, [email protected], 905-525-3860).
"From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required." - Luke 12:48
www.smithsfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Regina BROWNE
11 Entries
Robert Bohn
January 9, 2023
My sister was very special to me and I will miss our weekly phone conversations. She has always been caring, interested,encouraging,loving and much more.Looking forward to seeing her again in Heaven!!
Lucia Costantini
January 6, 2023
I had the privilege to be supervised by Dr. Gina Browne at McMaster University as part of my PhD studies. She was truly an innovative nursing leader who changed the way I think about healthcare. During my studies I was diagnosed with cancer and Gina became more than a teacher or supervisor, she was also my therapist. Her humor, stories and insights were pivotal to my success. I told Gina that I would not have graduated without her. Consistent with her humble nature, she rejected this perspective and would say it was me. She has left an outstanding legacy and I will genuinely miss her! My sincere condolences to her family.
Bonnie Stevens
January 5, 2023
I was fortunate to have Gina as a clinical professor in the early stages of my career. She had so much knowledge and expertise but was also full of fun and energy and really inspired us; she even gave us rides home from the hospital crammed into her VW bug! We loved it and we loved her! I later was fortunate to have an office close to her where she mentored me through many research challenges in my masters work and ultimately inspired me to proceed to doctoral work and a research career. She was a truly inspirational and transformational leader in the nursing world and we will miss her greatly. Deepest condolences to her family.
Pat and Mike Gough
January 4, 2023
My life changed for the better, the day I met Gina Browne. As a caring , kind soul, especially for those who were disenfranchised, Gina did not hesitate to correct any situation where people were ignored. As an educator, I was frustrated by a bureaucracy that was not meeting the needs of many kids in trouble. During one meeting Gina decided that her funding could make a difference by supporting my dream. With her at the wheel,it became our dream and it did come true! Four years of the CORE (Community Organizations Reaching Everyone) Program altered the direction of 34 youth's lives all because of Gina and her assistant Fiona Myers. Together we kicked butt! Gina understood the value of friendship and protecting the sistahood! She was a doer, an activist, and a special friend I will cherish for life. I will miss her forever. MLK once said that, "Our lives will begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Gina will never really be gone. She taught all of us to speak up, and do what is right-not popular! I will speak up, I will do what's right, but not necessarily easy, and I will cherish rich memories of our escapades, your infectious laugh Gina, and the joy you brought to my life and everyone you met. "All y'all better follow her footsteps! More work still needs to be done! Her soldiers will carry her legacy forward. I know your sons and family will do the same. A truly grief-stricken...
Pat Gough. RIP, my lovely! Finally, back with Jay.
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Sharon Fulcher
January 4, 2023
As a neighbour there are many fond memories of Jay,Gina and their family on Shadeland Ave.
My sons Graham and Stuart grew up as brothers with Joe and Dillon. Never a dull moment at that house. All were welcomed.
Gina lived what she taught. A remarkable woman and career. A true treasure. She was loved and will be dearly missed.
Sincerely,Sharon,Stuart and Graham Fulcher.
Michelle Stockwell and Paul Links
January 4, 2023
Dear Joe and Dillon and family and special friend Carolyn,
I heard about your mum's passing from our very good mutual friend Carolyn. I know that Gina was very much comforted by your love and care at the time of her death and also throughout her lifetime as your mother. Gina was my supervisor when I did my MHSc degree and later was my boss in the Systems Linked Unit. In my memory she pushed everyone to be their best by her very example in her work and in her relationships. She was incredibly proud of both of you and spoke often of you as her inspiration. I know that you and your dad Jay provided the reason for her drive for excellence and the joy in her accomplishments. She wanted everyone in the world to have the best care, the most meaningful and useful education and the strongest family possible.
I know that her strength and faith will continue to comfort you and guide you wherever she is in the universe. I know her special gifts and energy and the life she lived will continue to inspire others and make the world a little bit better for many.
Michelle Stockwell and Paul Links
Karen Vanaman
January 4, 2023
Rita, John, Parker, Nikki, Kelly -
Sending you all my condolences and love. Hoping you find comfort in sharing memories of a woman that leaves quite a legacy. It is moving to think of the ripple effect of how many lives she positively influenced in her time here. Beautiful write up. Big hugs.
Mary Janet (Jan) Kasperski
January 4, 2023
As a member of the first class of health professionals enrolled in the Masters' of Health Science Program at McMaster University, I have fond memories of Professor Browne - and, my subsequent career pathway was paved by the program that she created and her guidance and support. My deepest condolences to all who loved and admired dear Gina.
Charles Bohn
January 4, 2023
A common topic of conversation when the Bohn family gets together are birthdays and Zodiac signs. I believe that there are 7 of us who are/were Virgo´s and when remembering my dear sister Gina she had many of the same traits even though she was born a day late to be considered one (9/23). Methodical approach to life, ensures that nothing is left to chance, clean freak, perfectionist, problem solver, independent and witty. Although she did possess many Libra traits, a great listener, working with others to pull off goals, getting the conversation started and keep the party going, I remember her Virgo traits better. Clean freak: when we were young and she and my sister Dorothy were in charge Dorothy watched us while Gina cleaned. In high school she had a job at St James Catholic Church singing and playing the piano at the early mass on weekdays. She cut my hair and taught me how to dance. Back in the 70´s she packed up her VW bug and all of her belongings and headed to Boston. The fact that the car broke down did not stop her from her plan as she was extremely self-motivated. With every conversation with her she always asked others about what was going on in their life. Her dinner parties were epic with her menu planned down to the tiniest details, fires built in the fireplace ready for a match. I am distraught that I´m won´t be present for her visitation, mass and burial but relish many thoughts of her as my big sister. Below is a photo of us along with my mom and sister Rita.
John D Bohn
January 4, 2023
My sister Regina Taught me how to love unconditionally. She cared about everyone and tried to help everyone that she could. I remember coming to visit her with my brother Nick I was 13 he was 14 and we'd gone on a bus and came to see Gina at her Expense. It got kind of expensive chopping wood I kept breaking the Is ax handle I broke at least 3 or 4. It was truly emiliating in humbling. I'd never chopped wood before and I sucked at it. After the 4th handle I finally got the hang of it. Jay her husband was quite a man. They both raised 2 fine boys that anyone would be most proud of. My sister loved everyone N love To help. I will always have Joseph And Dylan, To remind me of how wonderful Gina Was. My prayers go out to The boys. I'm here if you need anything.. Please call and let me know if you need any help with anything at all. I want to be here for you too.
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