If you live in Ottawa, you may be familiar with the name Brown’s Cleaners and Tailors. Established in 1957 by Herbert “Pops” Brown and his wife Estelle, the company has expanded to 26 locations across the city. Herbert, a former sergeant in the Canadian army during the Second World War, laid the foundation for the family business.
Following his return from the war, Herbert’s family immigrated to Canada from Jamaica, and through their unwavering dedication, the business flourished. This commitment to hard work and success was passed down to their children, including their daughter, Nessa Bedward Sherwood.
Nessa pursued a distinguished nursing career at The Ottawa Hospital, spanning more than 20 years. Known for her exceptional listening skills and ability to provide a calming presence in challenging circumstances, Nessa excelled in her role.
But it wasn’t without its challenges. A 2017 Ottawa Citizen article about the Brown family shared that, at times, Nessa was ignored by hospital colleagues outside of work due to her race.
However, Nessa’s resilience, instilled by her parents, propelled her forward. In addition to her professional duties, she was a published writer, poet, and mother to four boys. She also dedicated her time to various community organizations, such as The Elizabeth Fry Society, The Diabetes Association of Canada, Planned Parenthood, The YM/YWCA, Grannies for Africa, Funding for the African Caribbean Health Network, and support for the AIDS Community of Ottawa. Her remarkable contributions led to her being named a finalist for the Y-Ottawa Citizen Community Volunteers — Women of Distinction Award in 2009.
