HOPE ANTOINETTE (TONI) BROTHERS

Hope Antoinette (Toni) Brothers (née Carruthers) passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, January 9, 2021.

We believe that this picture taken in the spring of 2020, captures the essence of a lovely, spirited, and soulful woman, Toni Brothers.

Born in Edmonton Alberta, she moved as a child with her parents and siblings to Thunder Bay, Ontario. There, Toni worked at the Arthur Cafe where she met the love of her life and her future husband, the late Murray Brothers. In 1964, they moved to Winnipeg where they lived for 17 years, raised a family, and Toni developed great relationships in the St. James community. In 1981, Toni, Murray and their two younger children moved to North Vancouver where they continued to raise their family and built a strong community of friends for 22 years. Toni worked at Lions Gate Hospital, where she had a large circle of colleagues who became close friends. Lots of laughs and good times were a part of her life there. In 2002, Toni and Murray returned to Winnipeg, settling in the Riverview neighborhood close to many family members, while making annual visits back to Vancouver to spend time with family and see old friends.

Toni was the mother of Bonnie (Hugh), Duane (Cheryl and her children Jeffrey, Jenna, and Janelle), Tanya (Peter), Tamara (Lloyd), and Tara (Dan). Toni was the grandmother of Kate (Calvin), Steve (Mizcha), Quinn, Dane, Keziah and Josiah (mom Lois), Logan, Ella, Ava, and Luca. Like all of us, Mom had many terrific memories as well as challenges and regrets, all of which she reconciled later in life. In the end, family was everything and she always placed their needs before her own.

Throughout her adult life, Toni celebrated the achievements of her family, pursued her interests in travel (especially cruises), and was keen to continuously reconnect with members of the extended Carruthers and Brothers families throughout North America. Seldom without a word search book in her handbag, she dabbled in a number of crafts including ceramics and knitting, and always loved to have luncheons with friends old and new.

While she was often mistaken for being of Indigenous, Italian, or Greek heritage, Toni was very proud of her African-Canadian roots and her house was adorned with Afro-centric art. Toni was the daughter of the late Douglas and Thelma Carruthers and she is predeceased by siblings Emily, Dwight, Pamela, Judy, and Bradley. She is survived by her twin sister Geri, and siblings David, Derrick, Denise, Patricia, Wendy, and Susan, and their families.

Very quietly, our mother lived with many stages of cancer for two and a half years.  Even on her “blue days”, she demonstrated tremendous courage and strength while at the same time continuously putting family and friends first. To those who experienced her presence during these times, we all can only be humbled by her strength together with the wonderful grace with which she lived her life and the love that she gave us while she was the one struggling.

The memory of Toni and what she shared with so many people will live on as she was cherished by all, and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Mom, your spirit lives on forever.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.