Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Generations mourn Brown Owl’s death
A popular Brownie leader who led her group for more than 40 years has died.
Yvonne Groom, of Queen’s Avenue in Canterbury, lost her brave battle with cancer at the Pilgrim’s Hospice on November 5, aged 62.
The former Frank Hooker School pupil was Brown Owl of the 2nd Harbledown Brownies for four decades, earning herself the long service award in 2012.
Linda May, who has taken over from Miss Groom after working alongside her for 14 years, described her as “happy and friendly”.
“She was a great organiser and always up for a challenge – she’d give anything a go,” said Mrs May.
“She was always very friendly and welcoming. She was one of those people who got you doing things before you realised. I don’t think I ever saw her get cross or annoyed.
“I was reading through the Brownie Promise and everything that is in that was Yvonne.
“She helped other people and would always lend a hand.”
Miss Groom, who worked for an insurance company in Canterbury, never married and devoted her life to the Brownies.
Her mother was also in Girlguiding and her father was a Scout.
Mrs May said: “Her life was the Brownies. We’ve got second generation Brownies coming through whose mums were here and they remember her.
“She became an adult leader in 1972, after being in the Brownies, the Guides and then what they used to call the Rangers, which is now known as the senior section.
“She got her qualifications to run her own unit and became Brown Owl when she was 18.
“She was with the 2nd Harbledown Brownies ever since, it was her life. She had her 40 years service bar.”
Miss Groom took some time out when she first became ill but, despite recovering, eventually stopped leading the group four years ago when the cancer returned.
Her funeral is on Tuesday, November 22, at St Michael and All Angels Church in Harbledown at 12.30pm. Family flowers only.
Those wishing to make a donation can do so to the Pilgrim’s Hospice in Canterbury.