Iris Elizabeth Brown

Iris Elizabeth Brown (née Nozack) passed away peacefully at the University of Alberta hospital, following a stroke, on November 19, 2023 at the age of 91.

Born during a snowstorm on February 18, 1932 near Vegreville, Alberta, Iris came into this world a survivor and kept those 'survival instincts' throughout her life.

She wore many hats in her lifetime: homemaker, bank teller, bookkeeper, travel agent, office manager, educational assistant, professional caregiver, caterer and ardent DIYer.

Iris was a voracious reader and firm believer in lifelong learning and education, especially for women, as a way to make life better for future generations. Her happiest moments toward the end of her life were discussing loved ones' education and career choices and finding out how things were going; she thought it was a win for her whenever she heard about her loved ones' success! One of her proudest accomplishments was returning to Grant MacEwan College in her 50s and completing a diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Iris was a collector, particularly of items for crafting - card making and quilting were just two of her creative passions. She had endless projects on the go and she dreamed of finishing them all. Her crafting supply collection might have been second only to her cookbook and recipe collection. She was always experimenting in the kitchen and should be credited for instilling a love of food and big, family-style meals deep into our psyches. Her pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, perogies and fried chicken will be forever missed.

Iris was proud to be the matriarch of a family that spanned 5 generations but that also extended way beyond the conventional boundaries of blood and marriage - she became 'Mom', 'Nan' or 'Aunty' to numerous people over the years. There was always a place for you at her table; she was as generous with food as she was her love (and her advice)! You were never a stranger for long!

Iris is survived by her children: Robert, Dawne (David), Callinda (Ray); her grandchildren: Lindsay (Robin), Kristin, Eric (Rosy), Will and Scott; her great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild!
Her siblings: Ed (Chere) and Lynn, her nieces, nephews and their children.
Other family: Agnes (Walter), Connie, Lanny (Rose) and children.

Iris was predeceased by her parents Paul and Pearl Nozack (née Hawryluk).

Details for a Celebration of Life will be forthcoming. It may come as no surprise, Iris' wish was to gather outdoors, in warm weather.

Please consider a donation to the Edmonton Public Library or Edmonton WIN House in lieu of flowers.