A Century of Style and Generosity: 'Cissie' Browns 100th Birthday Wish

As the crisp autumn leaves fall in Portstewart, a remarkable woman prepares to celebrate a milestone that few ever reach.

On 13th October 2024, Catherine "Cissie" Brown will turn 100. But instead of basking solely in the spotlight of this extraordinary occasion, Cissie has a different wish: to give back.

Born at home in Ballysally, Coleraine, in 1924, Cissie was one of six children in the O'Neill family. The nickname "Cissie" charmingly stuck after her younger brother Robbie couldn't quite pronounce "sister." Shortly after her birth, her family made a brief sojourn to Nova Scotia, Canada—the only time Cissie ventured beyond Northern Ireland's borders. Though the trip was short-lived, the memories and photographs from that time remain some of her most cherished treasures.

Cissie attended school in Coleraine before moving to Portstewart. She lived in one of the quaint cottages that once stood where Enterprise Parade's houses are now located. A woman of diligence and grace, she worked at the Coleraine Shirt & Collar Factory and later as a housekeeper for notable families like the Whites of Whitehaven and the Tinsleys, who owned a local shop.

In the 1940s, she married Robert "Bobby" Brown from Coleraine. Bobby, a bus painter for Ulsterbus, and Cissie enjoyed life's simple pleasures, often taking advantage of free bus and rail travel for excursions to Portrush, Coleraine, Derry City, and Belfast. They had one son, David, and Cissie embraced her role as a devoted Nana, doting on her three grandchildren.

A woman of impeccable style, Cissie's fashion sense is legendary in Portstewart. With a wardrobe boasting pieces from her favourite boutique, Mullan's Fashions on the Promenade, she has always believed that elegance is timeless. Her daily walks "down the prom" were as much about socialising as they were about showcasing her latest ensemble.

Cissie's commitment to her community is as enduring as her beauty regime—she credits her nearly wrinkle-free complexion to a lifelong dedication to skincare, with a little help from L'Oréal. A non-smoker and teetotaller, she often cites her lifestyle choices as the secret to her longevity.

Despite mobility challenges in recent years, Cissie continues to live independently, thanks to the unwavering support of her daughter-in-law Anne and a team of wonderful carers. Her spirit remains unbroken, her mind ever sharp, and her heart as generous as ever.

Last year, in lieu of birthday gifts, Cissie raised an astounding £970 for Dementia NI, honouring both her late husband Bobby and her sister, who passed away a day apart in 2022. This year, she's turning her philanthropic focus towards the Learn Association, a charity founded in Coleraine dedicated to supporting education in Zimbabwe.

"Education is the key to a better future," Cissie often says. The Learn Association works tirelessly to improve the quality of education at the Victory Community Primary School in Zimbabwe—a country rich in history and culture but facing significant educational challenges due to underfunding and understaffing.

Though Cissie has no direct ties to Zimbabwe, she was moved by the charity's mission after learning about it through local channels. Her wish is simple yet profound: to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children who need it most.

As she eagerly awaits her telegram from His Majesty The King, Cissie looks forward to celebrating her centenary surrounded by family and friends in Portstewart. Her legacy is not just one of years lived but of lives touched.

To honour Cissie's 100th birthday wish, donations can be made through her GoFundMe page by clicking here -> https://gofund.me/5c785632.

In doing so, you'll be part of a remarkable journey—a century in the making—that continues to inspire generosity and hope.