The diamond skies above Lake Superior are aglow with effervescence, as a brilliant new star has commenced her eternal vigil. Surrounded by loving family members, Darcy departed peacefully from a world made more wonderful by her presence, and began her ascent on June 16 after courageously confronting a two-year illness.
Born in Fort William on May 10, 1958 to Sergio and Joan Russo, Darcy spent her entire life in the Lakehead region, where she graduated from Sir Winston Churchill High School. It was during her high school years that she met a Fort William Collegiate student named Ian Brown, who quickly became her soul mate and best friend. They became “a package deal” in 1981, beginning a 37-year-long marriage built on an unyielding foundation of love and loyalty. Soon they were three, with the joyful arrival of daughter Sarah in 1984, followed by Stephanie in 1986. Darcy’s greatest joy was by far her family, to which she was selflessly devoted with every breath she took. Another dream was fulfilled just two years ago with the birth of grand-daughter, Lillia, who brought immutable joy in spite of her declining health.
With contagious smiles and laughter, Darcy always welcomed everyone into her life and home. She particularly enjoyed walks, golf and travel with long-time girlfriends Maureen, Leanne and Dale, whose husbands and children became treasured friends of Darcy, Ian and the girls. Ever creative and resourceful, she also enjoyed gardening, decorating, and helping others perfect their own gardens and homes. To those she didn’t know, she was a kind-hearted humanitarian, who exemplified the power of action as a volunteer for Christmas Cheer, Habitat for Humanity and the Home and School Association.
Darcy was predeceased by her beloved in-law parents, Jack and Claire Brown and by her nephew, Jordan Brown. In addition to Ian, Sarah, Stephanie, Lillia, Sergio and Joan, those left to mourn her passing include Sarah’s husband, Dave Morris; Stephanie’s husband, Brent Irwin; brother, Steve (Trudy) Russo and sister, Donna (Ron) Walberg. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Kim (Don) Gordon, Tracey (Steve) Carle and Lynne (Charlie) Johnson; by brothers-in-law, Scott (Joni) Brown, Murray (Theresa) Brown, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family extends immense gratitude to Dr. Katherine Storkson, Dr. Davis, Dr. C. Valente, Sarah Farrell P.A., Chris McNaughton and the entire team on unit 1A, whose support for both Darcy and Ian will never be forgotten. Special thanks are also extended the TBRHSC Cancer Centre, to Dr. Chan, Paul Carrier and to VON and Jamie, with whom Darcy had a very special relationship. Together, Darcy’s care team enabled her to exit with the grace and irrepressible humour that were her lifelong trademarks.
All will be welcomed to a Celebration of Life at Da Vinci Centre, 340 S. Waterloo Street, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 29. Words to begin at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Darcy’s name to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
"We shall find peace. We shall hear angels,
we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds."
Darcy Brown will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 9, 2019.
