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  1. Inge Brown
  2. Eulogy
  3. Chronology
    1. early Inge
    2. courtship & marriage
    3. emigrating to Canada
    4. the cottage
    5. the salad years
    6. slowing down
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    1. early Inge
    2. courtship & marriage
    3. emigrating to Canada
    4. the cottage
    5. the salad years
    6. Christmases
    7. friends & relations
    8. slowing down
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a Life in pictures

the salad years

the tale of 58

In Edmonton Inge began to fashion her work life into a real career. She started as a secretary at the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Alberta in 1971, making the Brown's a double income income family and liberating herself, permanently from economic hardship. Their new economic status enabled them to buy a house in the Edmonton suburb of St Albert. From 1973 to 2010, Inge lived in St Albert, in a modest split level at 58 Falcon Crescent with Des and various combinations of their combined children. Here they indulged their passions and grew old. 

Inge had a taste for good conversation, great wine, wonderful food, current fashions, frequent travel and big barbecues on the back deck. She and Des traveled extensively in these decades to Europe to visit family and warm holiday locations like Mexico, with colleagues and friends from work.  58 also hosted, nearly every year several sets of visitors for weeks to months; it was a constantly changing tableaux of people with Inge at the centre.

This is also where Inge and Des would indulge their love of classical music, opera especially, by seeing so many live performances, building a substantial music collection and listening to Saturday afternoons at the Met, for more Saturdays than anyone could count. Inge would remain the rest of her working life at the UofA, moving from Comparative literature, to English, to Nursing and then back to English after retirement... all the while being steadily promoted well into senior positions. She relished every moment. While in English she would take a year off to complete a BA, which she also relished, making honours.


early 58

before grass

Des's little soldiers

Look closely. Des got a dozen of these teeny evergreens in the bush with his friend Howard. Everyone teased him about his little soldiers but they became quite beautiful and grew so large they made Inge nervous -late 70s

early-middle 58

58, with 'the cad,' a 1972 Chrysler valiant parked out front -middle 1980s

late 58

Inge and Des lived in this house nearly 40 years. They changed almost everything and kept it nicely. The vestibule on the front was known as 'Des' little house.'
58 in summer camouflage -90s

super 70s design victory

Inge decorated this bedroom and managed to capture the era (1970s) to a T. Too bad this pic doesn't show the papered wall. Totally groovy.

Eeew

Inge physically despised this original bathroom at 58 Falcon. She could not reconcile the gold floor with the pink fixtures and faux green marble countertop. And, they proved no match for her as she replaced every single thing over the years

yikes!

the original kitchen at 58 was a fright but back in 1973 it looked like a modern palace to Inge and Des

Tante Klare and cousin Klaus visit

To give Inge a boost and play with her young daughters these two were the first visitors to 58. They all drove to Jasper to visit Pamela in the lodge where she worked - 1973ish

saying good bye at Edmonton airport

in the 70s commercial flights were a big deal. Inge and her daughters got dressed up to take Tante Klare and cousin Klaus to the airport and watched the plane take off -1973ish

dear friends

Inge met Ann in the early 70s when she was working in comparative literature where Ann was a brilliant student. Inge spent so much time with Ann over her lifetime, they could have been sisters. They shared a million things in common, including German. Although originally British, Ann spoke beautiful German.

best of the best continues to stay in touch

cousin Ruth, seen here letter writing, in her excellent 70s flat with the legendary twirly staircase, may have been thousands of miles away but she and Inge couldn't have been closer

with family

shortly after the move to Edmonton, early 70s

Pamela's convocation

Pamela got her BSc in pharmacy. Des and Inge were there with bells on.

going to the faculty club

going out to one of thousands of dinners at the University of Alberta Faculty Club Des and Inge loved it there because the food was good, the atmosphere lovely and all their friends were there too -late 70s
superdog

the morning after

the morning after the arrival of Inge's brother Horst and wife Ulla late 1970s

a cordial relationship

the terrier in Pokey conflicted with Inge's need for order; lucky he was cute

maybe Oktoberfest?

another delicious looking themed dinner at Ann and Linda's with the Holdaways, probably. Inge and Ann wear dirndls... any opportunity to dress up makes a good day. And these women can cook. You should see the barbecue set up...

call from Germany

long distance was so expensive in the dark ages... a call from Germany was always a major event at the Browns -late 70s

visiting back east

Des had a research trip to Ottawa so Inge and daughters joined him for a week or two in a scortching summer. -late 1970s

first grandchild Paula

Inge and Des visited Pamela in Calgary shortly after Paula was born -1981

visiting the lovely ladies

this beautiful collection of pastel relatives are some of the sweetest and hardiest ladies who supported Inge all her life cousin Helmi, Tante Helmi and Tante Klare. Here they are catching up in Germany in 1978

Helga and family

meeting Inge at the airport. - 1978

trip to Germany and France

On this trip Inge brought her daughters to revisit Montmedy and stay with old friends Micheline and Robert - 1978

doing the dinner party swing.

Inge was a strong proponent of aprons and kittles, but she was so neat, so rarely spilled a crumb

if there was dancing...

you can bet Inge and Ann were part of it

the mushroom cut

mushroom. No kidding. Des was not a fan of this tidy, flattering hairdoo which became forever know as the mushroom cut -late 70s

Pamela gets married

Green dress of legend

this smart floor-length green shirtwaist gown was a favourite of Inge and it looked fab on her. She loved it because it fit her to a T, never needed ironing and never wore out. So often had it been to the opera it could find Inge's seat in the dark.

Going to the opera!

Des and Inge had seasons tickets to the Edmonton opera for several millennea. And Inge sewed this floor length crushed velvet number specifically for the purpose. She actually wore it out. Here, Des' sister Charmaine is along for the ride.

dressing up at the Browns

Des sister Charmaine joins Inge and her daughters

always at the kitchen table

visitors to the browns spent more time at the kitchen table than anywhere else. It was where all the action happened. Here a visit from the Penticton Pohlmans, who had once lived across the street in CFB Borden

opera with Anne

while Des didn't love every opera and so didn't always attend, there were years and years where Ann and Inge never missed a performance - and Des' extra ticket gave room for Inge to indoctrinate various friends and young people to the opera. Opera indoctrination was probably her most fervent cause

only one graduate degree

Des got a PhD without doing an MA because his final undergraduate paper from the University of Toronto was so good, when he got to the University of Alberta they admitted him straight to the PhD program. Still, it took longer than he bargained for, having a massive heart attack and one of the first open-heart surgeries right in the middle of his studies - but Des was a survivor on the same level as Inge. He was revered among his contemporaries as an unparelled student and a world-class scholar. Oh ya, you wanna bet there was a party for this.

Des gets a PhD in History

falcon alumnus gets nursing degree

ever the ardent supporters, Des and Inge gleefully attending the ceremonies of Julie Lubbers, a daughter of the white house three doors down - 1980s

like confectionary

granddaughters in dirndls -mid 80s

best of the best - together again

with cousin Ruth and brother Horst - on 2 different continents for most of their lives but every reunion as if not a minute had passed - for 70+ years -early 1980s

at Kim & Andrew wedding

dressed to kill at wedding of son in law's brother - about 1985

r (Richard) marries Christie

r married Christie W in Corvallis Oregon - 1987

interesting lady

Ann's doctoral thesis was about fairy tales and where they came from.

a change and a promotion

Inge moved from comparative Literature to English and picked up a promotion on the way. In this pic Ann and Linda give her a photograph of the beautiful UofA arts building where she worked in comp lit -1984

the old arts building

This is the picture of the arts building given to Inge by Ann and Linda. It always hung in 58. She worked there from 1973 to 1984. It was a beautiful building that also held fine arts and live symphonic music often rolled through the stone hallways, much to Inge's delight
Another lovely dinner at Ann and Linda's - early 80s

good friends are always there

Inge was there for the wedding of her friends Gisela and Fransjoseph in the 50s and here she is back in Germany for their 50th or 60th? anniversary -lmidle 1980s

the grandchildren never stop growing

here, the three Boulton girls and their cousin Desmond - mid 80s

everyone in satin

granddaughters Paula and Stephenie steal the show at daughter Karin's wedding -1986

millinery fan

this hat was a favourite of Inge. She wore it at Karin's wedding with a long pleated red dress -1986

sweet granddaughter Stephenie

little dancing queen catches daddy Brian's eye - 1986
visiting three doors down at the white house in the favourite wrap around skirt Inge brought back from Jamaica

seasoned holiday-goers

In the 1980s Inge honed her a travelling skills. They had at least one big trip a year, sometimes two or three as well as many shorter trips. She got so good at it she had packing lists for each climate

fasching!

Inge and Des as country starlet and wealthy shiek on their way to Ann and Linda's fasching party. Des refused to dress up until he discovered he could be comfortable in Inge's caftan over his skivies -mid1980s

long time office at English

the view from this window was lovely across the lawn, over Saskatchewan Drive to the river

Inge gets a BA

Des was with her every step of the way

Inge's convocation

Des, brother Horst and sister-in-law Ulla went to the ceremony while 58 filled with food, friends and flowers for an all afternoon, all evening celebration -mid 1980s

Inge gets a BA

after the ceremony at the jube
with Horst and Ulla at the faculty club

at the office

and no place she'd rather be

another dinner party with Ann and Linda

sewing seed of the OGs

At the UofA Inge hung out with other adminstrators, from other faculties. June and Joan here were two of her favourites. Over the years they became a tight knit group, working and holidaying together for years. At a certain point, long after this photo was taken, they called themselves the OGs, for Old Gaurd and they continue to gather and holiday well into their retirements, pandemics permitting

military man and then some

Inge's husband Des retired from the Canadian AirForce as a Major after 22 years. During these years he also finished secondary school, became a mathematician and a physicist and also obtained a PhD in Canadian legal history

visit from Helga & Gunter

Helga and Des have a good laugh at 58. Just like old times -1989

The OGs take Mexico, many times

spouses became honourary OGs

after the spouses were permitted they had even more fun

hands on hips everyone

are these ladies from the same family or what? Inge flanked by niece Regina and sister-in-law Ulla

sunny smiles

Inge and Des learned how to relax a bit over the years. Going to Mexico so often they lost count was instrumental

with some OGS

-mid 90s

Improvising

a sprained ankle in Mexico. Des whipped up this fancy crutch and she went on in fine style

parties continue unabated

Inge and Des desire for fun, laughter and good food did not abate with age. The dinner party was perhaps their most popular form of entertainment and favourite hobby. These two ladies (on either side of Des) Linda Arsenault and Ann Henderson Nichol shared their passion with a similar fervor and taste for fine things.

Marlies and Gunter visit

one of a gazillion barbecues on the big deck out back of 58 -1994

to the mountains with the Paul and Doris

Paul and Doris Ledi were neighbours to 58 for so long they had time to come to really like each other. Here they are on a trip to the mountains together. A few years later, in 1994, they went to North Carolina together.

popular with the Germans

Inge continued to draw crowds at the airport through the 80s and 90s. She loved it. It meant a lot to her

with cousin Klaus's son

Carston and his Tante Helmi have always been close. Here Inge an brother Horst visits at Helmi's flat in or near Essen -mid 80s

impressive lego collection

Des and Inge always had lego on hand. Des and Horst liked to help the little ones build... but where are the little ones?

dinner at Rosalie's

visiting Des' sisters in Manchester. Rosalie could really cook... imagination and a love of the culinary arts

the Furrys at 58

Bob and Winona Furry were friends of Des and Inge for about four decades; often dining at each other's homes and generally sharing family -90s

Surprise! you've been married 30 years

all of a sudden -1991

Inge hiding behind old favourites

an afternoon cake party at Cousin Ruths -early 90s?

Alina and Leah

This photo of Andreas girls was a favourite of Inge

visiting out east at Barbara's

the only sighting of Inge and cross country skis during her adult life; entirely worth it to produce this delightful shot - mid 90s

the grande tour

every year visitors came from Germany or sometimes Britain and Des drove them and Inge through the mountains. They had a route they liked with hotels they also liked.

niece Regina marries Gert

grandson Quinn is born and Mandy stays

Des' niece Mandy came to live with Des and Inge in 1990 for two years. Here she is with Quinn, daughter Karin's new son. Inge helped Mandy find a job at the UofA to fund her trip. While walking down the road in St Albert, Mandy was hit by a drunk driver, breaking one or both of her legs. Des and Inge took care of her -1992

thousands of books

for Des' studies he collected more and more books. Inge grew more and more tired of seeing them everywhere and relegated the majority to basement rooms that Des lined with shelves and then brought in more shelves to stand in the middle of the rooms. In the end they donated thousands to UofA.

Baby Quinn

Inge was smitten with grandson Quinn and vice versa.
30th Anniversary card for the surprise party at 58 -1991

snowy late 58

as it was, at least half the time

at 30th anniversary party

58 was filled to brimming. Some of the usual suspects here with Inge, Pamela, Karin and Ann
-mid 90s

in North Carolina with Paul and Doris

Inge and Des travelled to North Carolina with their neighbours. -mid 90s

neighbourhood buddies

friends from Falcon; Kathy, Doris and Val often came to the barbecues and celebrations at 58.

Ehrhardt and Inge and 1000 year old night

caught in the action - Inge turns her cheeky side on cousin Ruth's husband Ehrhardt. They were sightseeing close to home, as usual. Ruth and Ehrhardt were proud of where they lived, in Rhine-Westphalia, so beautiful with so much human history

Oldest granddaughter graduates

in Mexico with Barbara and Herbert

with Barbara and Herbert

somewhere in Mexico, old friendships never die; we can always toast to that - 2000s

granddaughter Stephanie graduates

another win for the Boultons. In this picture Stephanie has her mother Pamela and sister Carolyn on either side. Between the three of them, the Boulton girls racked up quite a few achievements, not just in school
Oma and Quinn were always working together - late 1990s

thoughtful Ann

she doesn't just look the part, she really is a very thoughtful person

friends through Inge

Coming to Canada was always more for the Germans when they knew Ann was around. Brother Horst and wife Ulla became quite fond of Ann and Linda over so many visits
Des and his siter enjoying the deck at 58

Marlies and Susanne visit.

Marlies (far left) visits with tall Helga's daughter Susanne (far right) and everyone is crazy for grandson Quinn. - 1999

Friends forever

friend Giesla, Inge, cousin Helmi and sister-in-law's sister Ute - when Inge visited Germany -late 90s?

Inge banished the brown

When she'd had her way with that nasty 70s kitchen, it was so much brighter

nephew Andreas and his girlies

Andreas is so proud of his family and he loved to share them with Inge and Des. Many times they visited back and forth between Canada and Germany -late 90s

birthday party at the Browns

probably Des' 70th birthday -1996

cake before guests!?

grandson Quinn graduates

35 years of attending ceremonies never dappens their enthusiasm - 2000

Bonkers!

teacher Alida Privet at Caldor School was instrumental in helping grandson Desmond through the worst time of his life. To show their gratitude Des and Inge took Alida's high needs, inner city class of children to an indoor playground (Bonkers) once a year, for many years, long after Desmond recovered.

Cancer, round 1

Inge was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 2000s. It took close to a year out of her life. But, surprisingly there were perks. Best of the best buddy, cousin Ruth visited from Germany to stay with Inge for a month. This was especially kind since Ruth had a life long fear of flying -early 2000s
-early 2000s

in cousin Ruth's sitting room with friends

Inge visits with Giesla and husband Fransjoseph at Ruth's. Unfortunately the cramped photo does not do the place justice. It was one of Inge's favourite places because of the window which allowed, from the recliner, full viewing of Ruth's acre of flowing, manicured lawn and gardens. This was possibly Inge's favourite way to be with nature

good friend Marlies in Berlin

-1997

in Berlin with Marlies

Marlies and Inge had a long trip to Berlin for music and other art in 1997. They also went to Vienna together, before or after this

Berlin!

circa 1997

Quinn and Oma

Given the preference of grandparent terminology, Inge choose Oma, so that's what Quinn called her and she was so pleased -early 2000s

information of the utmost importance

catching up with cousin Ruth

grandson Desmond is a cool teenager

this kid was smart, lithe as a monkey and talented, especially in music -mid 2000s

Linda's convocation

such a true and dedicated scholar of music, Linda has an unquenchable thirst for the topics she pursued -2000

more great neighbours to 58

Kevin and Barb spent several years next door, raising children and gardens and keeping an eye on Inge and Des in their later years -early 2000s

granddaughter Paula marries

-mid2000s
-mid2000s

still loving the travel

Inge's desire to visit did not diminish with years. Into her 70s she and Des were still loving the sight-seeing

complications

During cancer treatment Inge caught a bug at a dr appointment which nearly killed her. Recovering from that, for weeks, she had quite a few visitors like her grandson Quinn, here

gowns and masks

for a while, all visitors had to wear gowns, masks and gloves, like Val here, so as not to reinfect Inge
After the infection was gone Inge was transferred from the hospital to the cross cancer clinic. If the rest of the health care system ran like the cross Des and Inge would both still be alive and healthy.

Cancer, round 2

Unfortunately after kicking the breast cancer like a pro Inge got anal cancer. Not only was it cancer, but the location was sooo difficult. But with the help of an amazing dr, who Inge called 'the bully' she was fully cured of 4th stage cancer. Took a bit out of her though and she never got it back.
Des visited every day
Al Holmes, Inge's friend Vivien's husband came, even after Vivien was gone.
Barbara flew from the east to visit for both big cancers
friendly visit at the cross cancer clinic

back home with new hair

She's smiling like this because she just beat 4th stage cancer. This almost never happens. Her doctor at the cross deserves a medal.
-early 2000s

with granddaughter Carolyn

these two had a great time together when Carolyn came to Edmonton to study at UofA. -mid-2000s

another visit from grandson Desmond

Inge and grandson Des and new guitar - mid-2000s

sahne bitte

Inge always had a taste for whipping cream. Look at this smile! She would eat old tires if they were concealed in cream, but by far she preferred cake. Her three month travel log from a trip she took with Des in 1994 reads like a journal of where to get the best cake and cream in two countries -20teens

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oh so Inge
witticisms and aphorisms of Inge's beloved Jane Austen

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