Pamela M. Brown

When I'm Gone...

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only my smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken

Remember some good I have done

Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won at the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going

I would not have you sad for a day

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best

To say our mom was an animal lover would be an understatement. As a child her horse, Merry Legs, and dog, Freckles, were her first loves. Growing up I cannot remember a time we were without pets. Dogs, cats, hamsters, white mice in tanks, a rabbit and yes, even a monkey. With that being said, I can also say, with some certainty, that she crossed over the rainbow bridge last week and she would be tickled at the notion.

She took her leave on December 16th which I find ironic as this woman loved all the holidays and was very good at making them special. When you called her on Christmas she answered the phone "Merry Christmas". Her Christmas trees were works of art and if you wanted to "help" with the tinsel you better get it right. We never wore store bought Halloween costumes and when you found your Easter basket, oh my!

She was born on May 18, 1939 in Bryan, Ohio to parents James A. Warriner and Mary Catherine (Presser) Warriner. She is survived by her two younger siblings James M. Warriner his spouse Irma Warriner of Missouri and Cathie Kowalski of Sebring, FL. Her first husband, John J. Stebbins, father of her three children and his wife, Nancy Stebbins. Her children, Laurie, John and Donnie and their spouses, Robert Organo, Brandie (Hamilton) Stebbins and Jan Mick.

She was a social butterfly in her day and made friends throughout the Toledo area where she was a member of the Great Dane Club. She had many adventures traveling and showing her dogs in cities throughout the tri-state area including large shows in Chicago. Our Dad always made sure she was sporting a cool ride. She loved her red Mustang but the black Chevy Laguna wagon was the ultimate Great Dane transport. He hooked her up with a CB for safety on the highway. She played on a bowling team with her sister called The Wild Women appropriately named and always included post game margaritas whether they won or not.

Later she resided in West Palm Beach, Florida with her second husband, Eugene T. Brown, who precedes her in death. She was there over 25 years and made a life of friends, animals and gardening. Her yard was lush and tropical including a beautiful orchid hut and a membership to the Palm Beach Orchid Society. She loved the beach and we spent many a weekend having fun at the variety of beautiful beaches in south Florida. Her place was the Hub for get togethers. She was patriotic and when we would give directions to the party we would say, "its the one with the american flag out front". She got us POW bracelets during the Vietnam war and we wore them every day even though they turned our wrists green. She was a founding member of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC and told me once that she would send $5 or $8 or whatever she could spare when it was being designed and built. She also gave to many animal organizations throughout her life. During the problems overseas in the late 80's she volunteered packing supply boxes that were routed to our troops overseas.

As her physical health was in decline she relocated, reluctantly, back to Toledo, Ohio where she resided with her youngest Son, Donnie. For over 10 years she was cared for by Donnie and Jan. Donnie is a wonderful son who saw her through thick and thin. We miss her and wish her peace.

I was honored with the task to write this remembrance. There is always so much more you can say about a loved one and this is just my humble perspective and tribute to our Mom. I hope she would be happy with these words.