Peacefully, with her closest family by her side, Agnes Hamilton Brown left us on October 22, 2021. Born in Busby, Scotland on May 23, 1930, Agnes was the fourth of five children of Agnes and Adam Parkhill. Having completed training at the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow in 1952 and heeding a call from Canada for nurses, the small but powerful Scot emigrated to Canada in 1954 with good friend and fellow nurse Norma, seeking adventure at a hospital in Seaforth, Ontario. Her profession took her to Toronto, where she met another single immigrant, John (Alan) Brown of Leith, Scotland. They married in 1959. The two later moved to Brantford, Ontario, where Agnes gave birth to their pride and joy, Sheila Anne Brown. The small family of three had many happy memories and were extremely close.

Agnes’ career as a nurse was accomplished, including her nursing role in Toronto’s first ICU, running pediatrics at Brantford General Hospital, followed by a role as Director of Care at Versa Care retirement home. She was a mentor to many, teaching others to speak up and stand up when they saw things that needed improvement. Agnes never backed down from a challenge.

Agnes is predeceased by husband Alan and sisters Betty, Annie and Jenny. She leaves behind daughter Sheila (Doug Guzman) and grandchildren Davis and Julia Guzman, brother Robert Parkhill (Jennifer), niece Irene Thomson and her daughter Jillian and a number of other nephews and nieces, as well as close friends Norma MacLeod and Cynthia Donaldson.

Agnes faced life with energy, optimism, resilience, love and incredible strength. She played badminton, did crosswords and was involved in many activities well into her senior years. Always a joiner, a week before her passing Agnes was singing along with an entertainer at her retirement home. We should all hope to live life as fully as did Agnes.

The family’s gratitude goes to the caring team at Amica Balmoral including, in particular, superb General Manager, Monica Byrne, Hanan Haj-Ali and Ana Velho.

Donations in memory of Agnes may be made to the Leaside Presbyterian Church or the Parkinsons Society.