In Memory of

Kathleen

Mary

Browne

(Manuel)

Obituary for Kathleen Mary Browne (Manuel)

KATHLEEN MARY BROWNE (MANUEL)
1959 - 2019

With profound sadness, the family of Kathleen Mary Browne (Manuel) of Grand Falls-Windsor announce her passing in St. John’s on September 28, 2019.

Kathleen was born in St. John’s, raised in Steady Brook and attended grade school in Corner Brook. She commenced studies at Memorial University School of Music in 1977.

Kathleen was predeceased by her father Terry, brother Andrew, very beloved grandmother, Isabel Walsh (Hardy) and cherished mentor, Sister Bernadine (Presentation Sisters).

Grieving her sudden loss is her husband Bill, daughter Emilie, son William, and the extended Browne family. Also leaving to mourn are her mother Janet, sisters Maura, Susan, Jenny, and Tara, and brothers John, Terry, Michael, Simon, David, Peter, Ian, Robert, a much treasured aunt, Ann Manuel and her partner Becky Lee, as well as numerous nephews, nieces and friends. She had two much loved Golden Retriever buddies, Inches and Lady Thatcher.

Kathleen graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in May 1983 with a Bachelor of Music specializing in Voice and a Bachelor of Music Education. In 1999 she subsequently earned a Masters of Education (Literacy) from Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax.

During her years with a young family, Kathleen opted to concentrate on offering private voice lessons in her home. She tutored many students who have gone on to successful careers both in music and other chosen vocations.

With both her own children off to a good start, Kathleen next embarked on a varied and extensive teaching career in the Newfoundland school system. She taught at all grade levels in many schools throughout the province, including Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, South Brook, Badger, Grand Falls-Windsor, Peterview, Botwood, Norris Arm and her longest stint (20th year) at Helen Tulk Elementary in Bishop’s Falls where she was currently a grade one teacher.

Kathleen’s approach to teaching children was not burdened or hindered by the latest, most innovative trends in pedagogy and educational theory. She resolutely believed that certain fundamentals in teaching and learning were constant, not to be compromised or diminished. To her classrooms she steadfastly brought knowledge, life experience, an infective enthusiasm, a positive can-do energy, patience, fairness, mutual respect, and empathy - all delivered with that warm, engaging smile and personality. She also brought organization, structure and a commitment to meet the deliverables and deadlines of her profession and school. The proof that she might be on to something was the academic progress and respectful, loving response by so many of her students. It was observable, a matter of record, undeniable.

Throughout her life, Kathleen possessed and pursued many talents and interests. However, it was the extraordinary gift of “that voice” that distinguished her. It defined and revealed her true essence and soul. Kathleen was an exquisite mezzo-soprano. Her voice was a musical instrument of such beauty, quality, fullness and rarity. In addition to recognition and awards at Corner Brook music festivals as a young girl, Kathleen went on to be the winner of the Senior Rose Bowl at the 1980 St. John’s Kiwanis Music Festival. She has also been featured on a number of CBC Radio recitals.

Throughout the years, Kathleen generously shared the gift of her voice and musicianship at many special events, weddings, and funerals. She could literally bring people to tears of appreciation with the beauty of her musical instrument, her vocal technique and her sincere, authentic presentation.

Our family must acknowledge the care Kathleen received, both at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. In particular, HSC ICU nurses Jill Hopkins and Kim Pinsent will forever have our deepest appreciation and respect. Blessed are those who come under your care and experience your compassion.
Thank you also to Dr. Mike Hickey for directing Kathleen’s care and keeping the family informed on medical matters.
Our sincere appreciation and gratitude must also be extended to Kathleen’s lifelong friend from university, Noreen Fraize-Greene, to Dr. Larry Alteen (HSC), Joey Browne (HSC) and to Father William Browne for conducting the graces of the “Last Rites”.
To Kathleen’s sister Susan in St. John’s and members of the Browne and Manuel families - thank you.

In her final act of generosity on this earth, Kathleen provided the life-saving gift of organ donation to four individuals across this country.

May God bless Kathleen and welcome home a most deserving, generous and humble servant.

“Next to the Word of God,
music deserves the highest praise.
The gift of language combined with the gift of song
was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music.”

― Martin Luther

"The Lord respects me when I work,
But He loves me when I sing."

― Anonymous