Barbara Brown

IN   MEMORY  OF   BARBARA  BROWN (DEROIN)

My sister, Barbara entered this world on September 18^th, 1934.  She was the third daughter of Andre and Marie Deroin.  She was born in the original St. Alphonsus Hospital.  There were three girls and two boys in our family, Margaret, Mary Louise, Barbara, Jim and Michael.  We all lived on a farm in Eagle, Idaho until 1941 when we moved closer to Boise on 36^th St. Barbara attended Collister School, St. Mary’s School and St. Teresa’s Academy.  When she left high school, she worked a few years at the  Mode Department store dowtown Boise.  After that she worked in a Care Center as a CNA. Following that, she worked as a care-giver in several homes where she helped elderly people stay in their own homes.  She was also one of the best waitresses in restaurants in Boise.  She really like working at Manning’s restaurant on the bench because she met some famous people and received good tips.  While working in several different jobs, sometimes three at a time, she raised her only son, Kevin. He was always taken care of and given a good education.  He, in turn, has spent the last 20 years caring for her.  With adult on-set of diabetes, she had many complications.  Kevin learned how to deal with the diabetes and care for her health needs, which meant several surgeries.   He was a good care-giver himself and was with her when she left this world to a much better place of peace and joy. We thank Dr. Watts for his long, on-going care for Barbara’s health needs.  Barbara liked to make him cookies and she said he enjoyed them. We thank all who were her care-givers in the doctor’s office and in the Care Centers.  She did appreciate all of you.

A  STORY ABOUT BARBARA

From the time she was young, Barbara was a “cleanliness addict”. We used to call her the “white tornado”.  She cleaned and cleaned the house.  She washed and washed clothes.  She ironed all clothes. I think she bought more clorox than food. When she was in the care center, I went to visit her one day.  There she was, in a wheelchair, cleaning the bathroom with CLOROX.   Another time, Sister Patricia visited her and there she was ironing her clothes on  top of the bed.!! Truly, we are grateful for all Barbara did for so many people.  If we could have brought all those she cared for who were sick, poor, or lonely into this Chapel today, we wouldn’t have had room for all of us. Thank you again for your presence today.  There will be a reception in the Coughlin II room after the Service.  You are all invited.