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DOWNIE: Aulda Jean “AJ” (Brown) of Exeter
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On September 5, 2026 @ 1:29 PM In Exeter, Obituary | 26 Comments
This journey was completed and a life well lived. With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Auntie Jean on August 31, 2026 at age 97. She departed the confines of this life, peacefully and surrounded by family. Although she is our Auntie Jean, she was known to many as AJ or Jean. AJ is predeceased by her parents Harold and Mildred Brown, her brother Bill (2022), and husband Gerry (2005).
AJ was born in Collingwood on April 26, 1929, and spent her youth with life by the water, biking and swimming in the summer, skiing and skating in the winter. As legend has it, she was also a fierce defender of her brother Bill, apparently several clocks were cleaned! Her career was with Bell, both in Collingwood and Kitchener making lifelong friends along the way. Once retired Gerry and AJ moved to Exeter and cottaged at nearby Norman Heights, again finding many lasting friendships. After Gerry’s passing AJ valiantly pushed forward, curling, hiking and making about a million meat pies with the church ladies. The last few years have been a true test of AJ’s exuberance and spirit. Still upbeat and charming, she faced her challenges with fierce determination, taking any opportunity to dance or sing. She was loving, kind and generous in the truest sense, making friends and family feel seen, valued and supported, always there to help guide and mentor. She was the kind of person who made a difference simply by being herself. She will be sorely missed by her legion of friends. More than anything, family was a treasured part of AJ’s life. She held her loved ones close to her heart.
A special thank you to the entire staff at Highview Residences in London. Your care, love and empathy has been exemplary. So many kind souls made AJ’s last chapter both meaningful and beautiful. The family cannot thank you enough.
AJ is lovingly remembered by her niece Marilouise Brown, nephews Robert Brown (Beth), Paul Brown and Doug Brown. Great Auntie to Christopher, Jessica (Chris), Jonathan, Rachel (Tyler), Great Great Auntie to Freyja, Kieran, James and Graham.
In keeping with AJ’s wishes, a private service and interment has been held.
Donations in AJ’s memory are welcome to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.
Where I have gone, I am not so small.
My soul is as wide as the world is tall.
I have gone to answer the call,
the call Of the One who takes care of us all.
Wherever you look, you will find me there-
In the heart of a rose,
In the heart of a prayer.
On butterflies’ wings,
on wings of my own, To you, I’m gone,
But I’m never alone – I am home

My sincere condolences to all of AJ’s family.
We worked together at Bell in Waterloo Phone Centre and got together in the summer for a “ Bell ladies at the trailer day” for many years.
Such a kind, considerate soul . Full of fun. The greatest friend anyone could have.
Rest in peace AJ.
You’ll certainly be missed.
Karen Hollis.
We are so sorry for your loss we lived across the street from AJ and Gerry and the pup. She will be missed by all that knew her.
My sincerest condolences to Jeans’s family. I delivered their mail for years in Exeter. We had many chats of encouragement when I was having a tough day, and when Jean lost her husband Gerry. She was full of life and a heart full of love. 💗
I curled with Jean years ago.. easy gal to love .. always a smile or little joke.. she definitely enjoyed life .. to all her family .. enjoy your memories 💕
AJ’s family- wow what a lady AJ was. I had the blessed opportunity to have cared for both Gerrie and AJ during their years in Exeter. I got to know them through their visits – Gerrie with his big smile and sense of humour even when he wasn’t feeling well, and AJ rolling her eyes at Gerrie’s comments. They are two of my patients I will never forget- AJ was class and a wonderful person- my condolences to you all.
To my Dear friend AJ’s Family:
I am truly saddened to hear of her passing but she blessed the world with her presence for 97 years .
My life improved When I got to know her and Gerry thru Caven Church in Exeter…and we remained friends ever since then. Helped her with her home maintenance until she could no longer reside there on her own.. I truly cared for your
“Aunt Jean” .
She did so long to be with her beloved Gerry once again.
Reunited ….have a dance for me…and make it a Waltz.
RIP….AJ
Aulda Jean was the type of person that made strangers feel like best friends. May faith and hope be yours !
To all of Jean’s family and friends
Our condolences to all on her passing.
We have good memories of her at the curling club and around town
Reading AJ’s obit I go back to our days when we both attended Caven Presbyterian Church in Exeter!
Thinking of all those who will miss this gracious woman!
To A.J’s loved ones
Sincere sympathy. A.J. was a wonderful person and you will miss her presence.
May the good memories bring peace and comfort
Jean was a caring neighbour, health and beauty advisor and honorary grandma. Her fashion sense earned her the moniker of ‘smartest octogenarian in town’! The loss of her independence in recent years was tough but she still managed to laugh along the way.
Her kindness and support over the years meant so much to our family. Finally reunited with Gerry and Mack. RIP
Jean’s family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of a wonderful Aunt. I met Jean years ago. She was very friendly, independent and determined. I admired her. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To all who loved Jean,
I extend my heartfelt condolences. Jean was a wonderful curler and lots of fun to work alongside in the kitchen during Bonspiels at the Exeter Curling Club. An absolute delight. Always a smile and good company to be in! May Jean rest in eternal peace.
We have many memories of time spent with Jean. She always had a bit of sage advice for everyone and had a great sense of humour. Rest in Peace dear Jean.
I enjoyed curling with her in Exeter and visiting as a fellow Bell employee. Please accept my condolence.
John & I first met AJ and Gerry at Caven Presbyterian Church and then they built their home in Exeter just down the street from us which led to huge waves as they drove by, many visits at the end of the driveway or the mail box. You could always just drop in unannounced and feel very welcome and of course there was always a glass of wine offered. AJ was always ready for an adventure and very generous with her time. When she decided to no longer drive to London, I was very happy to be recruited to take her to a couple of appts. She was always beautifully dressed. Although I have never met any of you, I feel like I know you as she always spoke very fondly and often about you. She loved you all dearly. Unfortunately we lost contact when she moved to London but I have thought of her often. She lived a long life and now may she rest in peace.
When AJ moved into the retirement side of the Exeter Villa, she was seated beside our Mom, Bernice, in the dining room. From that day on, they became best friends. We were so thankful for AJ. She always made Mom laugh and and she stopped at her room to get her for all
the activities and lots of walks. After Mom was transferred over to LTC, AJ would still make sure she visited her. There were always huge hugs.
Our condolences to her family. She lived a long life. May she rest in peace.
Bernice, and daughters. Judy,Sue, and Jan
A.J.was a very special lady so bubbly, funny with a great smile, met A.J. at curling and also did some spring cleaning at their cottage.,keep all your fun loving memories ,which I am sure there are lots in your heart ♥ R.I.P. A.J.
Our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Aulda Jean was a cherished friend to my mother (Joan Johnston) up to her death. She will be missed.
I believe I was her next door neighbour when I was a kid at 300 Pine Street, Collingwood. I thought her beautiful and wondrous. Aulda is an uncommon name, so I think I have the right Aulda. I remember her dad growing peach trees in his backyard, a Margaret Brown, a T.J.Brown who owed TJs at the corner of 8th and Main and a boy called Kippy. Do I have the right Aulda? My deepest condolences.
I met AJ years ago in Exeter as she would shop at ‘Tuckers’ & always luved to chat awhile, as she shopped. Full of life with stories & smiles, she was a beautiful woman of style. My Sympathies to AJs family & friends.
We met Jean and Gerry when we bought our cottage next to theirs in Norman Heights. We became great friends through the years and shared many happy times with them both. We will miss her vibrant spirit and I will miss our endless phone chats. Rest in peace my dear friend.
To Jean’s dear Family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences to your Family. We have so many fond memories of dear Jean and Gerry and the warm and generous friendship they shared with our late mother Jo Omand. The fun and laughter they all enjoyed during the years when they all lived in the apartment building on Mount Hope St. in Kitchener meant the world to our mother after our dad Bruce passed away. Jean and Jo were ‘kindred spirits’ and alike in so many ways. The three of them went to dances together to and parties and shared many meals and not a few ‘cocktails’! They were warm, wonderful friends to Jo. Unfortunately, we lost track of Jean and Gerry after they moved to Exeter. Our Mom passed away in 1991 but my brother, sister and I will always cherish their kindness to her. May God’s arms surround you with comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Sincerely, John Omand, Vivian Sutherland and Elizabeth Cresswell
I am so sorry to hear of AJ’s passing. She was a wonderful, compassionate woman with a quick smile that could light up a room and a true zest to be fashionably dressed. My heartfelt condolences to all.
We were neighbours a few houses up from Jean. A year or so after we moved to Exeter, my oldest son was supposed to bring a grandparent to school for a tea & celebration in his Grade 1 classroom. None of his grandparents lived close enough to attend. We didn’t know Jean very well then but decided to ask and she so graciously agreed. She was delightful and often mentioned it in chats at the end of her driveway. She continually asked how her “grandson” was doing. What a lovely woman she was! Condolences to the family on your loss. I am sure you have many wonderful memories to sustain you.
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To Jean’s family.
I knew Jean at the church making pies and curling etc. biggest my biggest memory is that I was amazed at her Talent decorating my daughter-in-law‘s women’s store in Exeter. Her spirit was so great, always up, always energetic and always a pleasure to be with