Stories and Condolences for the late Pixie Brazzell
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EDITH MARGARET
(PIXIE) BRAZZELL
October 12, 1927 – July 25, 2015
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Edith Margaret “Pixie” Brazzell on Saturday, July 25th at Victoria General Hospital.
Pixie is remembered by her daughter Cathy (Gordon) Speirs, her son Robert (Genevieve), her son Paul (Jennifer); grandchildren Travis, Tyler and Megan Speirs, Katrina and Stephanie Brazzell and Garin, Anthea, Cyra and Truett Brazzell. Pixie was pre-deceased by her husband Gary T. Brazzell, Q.C..
Although born in Winnipeg, and having lived the whole of her life in Manitoba, Pixie travelled extensively and had a particular affection for Tours, France where she visited friends and studied French culture and language for many summers. Her unrelenting pursuit of bilingualism was just one example of her lifelong commitment to education. Of particular pride to Pixie was the philosophy degree she earned from the University of Manitoba after her children embarked on their own university educations. She was an ardent environmentalist long before it was fashionable. Her cherished vegetable gardens, vigorous advocacy for animal welfare and years of commitment to preserving Winnipeg’s urban forest reflected her deep and abiding love and respect for the natural world. Uncompromising in her principles and eloquent in her defence of them Pixie was much sought by a myriad of community organizations many of whom benefitted from her efforts. A tireless volunteer she spent much of her adult life supporting a diverse array of causes; all part of her personal commitment to helping to improve the lives and opportunities for all Manitobans. Fearless and relentless in pursuit of her ideals, her passion and leadership was reflected in numerous appointments including President of the Manitoba Sports Federation, President of the Canadian Pony Club, a leading light on the Board of the Winnipeg Public Library and a founding member of The Coalition to Save the Elms.
She worked for the Bank of Montreal prior to her marriage and returned to the business world years later when she worked alongside her son Dr. Paul Brazzell in his veterinary clinic. This brought her particular delight perhaps only surpassed by the time she spent with her grandchildren. She formed a special bond with her granddaughters Katrina and Stephanie who spent 3 days with her immediately prior to her passing. Pixie’s children and daughter-in-law Genevieve were all grateful to have had an opportunity to pay respects to Pixie in her final days. Fiercely loyal to family and friends she herself inspired loyalty perhaps no better reflected that that of Christine Common-Singh her friend from The Coalition to Save the Elms who was devoted to Pixie in her final years. Pixie will be greatly missed.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Pixie’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 in the All Saints’ Anglican Church, 175 Colony Street (corner of Broadway and Osborne). There will be a memorial reception at the Hotel Fort Garry following the service. A private family committal service will take place in St. Johns' Anglican Cathedral Cemetery.
The family would like to express their grateful thanks to the medical staff from the Victoria General Hospital 4-South for their endless compassion and professional care of Pixie during her final days. The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Cedar House at the Rosewood Senior Residence for their care and support of Pixie during her tenure there.
Flowers are gratefully declined however memorial contributions can be made either to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Click the buttons above and to the right to access the relevant web-site donation page.
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Send Condolences or Share a Story
From: Jocelyn (MILLS) McCormick
Cathy, Bob and Paul, I was so sad to see that your Mum had passed. I never did get around to taking her out for lunch, for which I am sorry. Pixie was a great lady, she was a very good friend to my Mum (Betty Mills) over the many years we were neighbours on Roblin. In Mum's later years I took her over to have a glass of wine and a visit with Pixie and Garry many a time and the conversations were great memories for me. I am sorry that I was unable to attend the funeral for Pixie, but I was most certainly thinking of her and remembering our stories and good times. My sincere condolences for you all and your families at the loss of this wonderful person!
From: David Gailbraith
Cathy, Bob, Paul, Please accept my sincerest condolences for you and your families on the passing of your dear mother.
She was a wonderful lady who we will all miss greatly.
From: George Fraser
First, I would like to express condolences to the Brazzell family following the death of "Pixie".
I had the privilege, as the former Executive Director of the Manitoba Sports Federation, to serve the amateur sport community during her Presidency of the Federation and her time as a Director of the MSF. "Pixie" was no 'token' woman on those Boards and made certain others knew that, she more than held her own during debates and the resolving of the issues facing the fledgling 'umbrella for amateur sport' as it made its way onto the stage of development through the 1970's & 80's. She was part of a small group of sport leaders in our country who were convinced that amateur sport was worthy of recognition and support by governments in Canada and capable of managing its own affairs. She never wavered from that premise and could be counted upon to 'show up' and be articulate in stating those thoughts whenever required. She wielded influence, was tough minded when necessary, and spent endless hours making certain that those inside government knew the issues and knew she was part of an important sector of the citizens of Canada who loved sport and that they had better pay attention to the impact these folks might have when it came time to vote. She did not "pull any punches" in making her points.
Her approach cut through bureaucratic barriers and made everyone more confident in their voluntarism. Sadly, much of the work of people like "Pixie" has been absorbed into government as they eventually recognized the political value of the community in supporting the ideals of a vibrant Canadian Society at large and the value of closely aligning their political goals to those of sport and in building pride of Country. But if it were not for the leadership of the "Pixie's" of the Canadian sport community none of what one sees today on television screens would even have happened.
Hard work, dedication commitment to cause describe her time and when she finally gathers with all those who have gone before her she will be welcomed as a peer.
God bless her and thanks to her for this portion of her very interesting life. May she be remembered and blessed for her gifts.