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.