Betty and Norm Brown’s legacy of care

Assiniboia

As seasons change in Assiniboia, I am reminded of the countless ways our community shines, through our vibrant neighbourhoods and schools, and even more so, through the people who make this place extraordinary.

Today, I want to share the story of two remarkable individuals whose dedication has touched lives for decades – Betty and Norm Brown.

What makes their story special is the heart behind the work. For Betty and Norm, volunteerism isn’t just something they do – it’s who they are. Their guiding principle – “giving enhances living” – has shaped their perspective on service, and its impact is immeasurable.

As non-medical volunteers, Betty and Norm see themselves as a vital humanitarian link to health and healing. For a combined 57 years, they have been a steady presence at Grace Hospice, offering comfort and dignity to those in palliative care through a listening ear, a gentle presence, or a simple gesture that brightens someone’s day. Beyond Grace, Norm has volunteered with Palliative Manitoba for 26 years, extending his reach across the province.

Their contributions are as creative as they are compassionate. During the holiday season, you’ll find them greeting visitors at the Palliative Manitoba Memory Tree at St. Vital Centre, building snowmen and women at the Hospice entrance, and serving as Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Holiday Dinners. On Christmas morning, they deliver gifts to every patient in the Hospice, ensuring no one feels forgotten. These moments of joy matter, and reinforce to families that even in hardship, kindness prevails.

Then there are Wonderful Wednesdays, a tradition that speaks volumes about the Browns’ creativity in care. Betty spends her day outside hospice rooms tending to 12 bird feeders, funded through her daughter’s job at a bank, creating a serene space for patients and their families. Meanwhile, Norm devotes his day to sitting at bedsides inside, offering hope, comfort, and companionship to those in palliative care.

After 66 years of marriage, Betty and Norm remain steadfast in their love for the community. Their story is a testament to what happens when service becomes a way of life; teaching us that care isn’t measured in grand gestures, but in quiet, consistent acts that bring dignity and peace.

As the MLA for Assiniboia, I could not be prouder to represent a constituency where people like Betty and Norm lead by example. Their legacy reminds us that giving truly enhances living – for both receiver and giver.

To Betty and Norm: Thank you for your decades of compassion. You inspire us all to lead with kindness and to build a community rooted in service.