Brenda Ann Allan

Brenda Allan grew up in Smiths Falls, Ontario, the daughter of Jim and Barb Bigelow. She eventually made British Columbia’s Lower Mainland her home, where she built a life centered around family, service, and a genuine devotion to the people around her. Brenda grew up alongside her sisters, Ruth Brady and Joan Farrell, and her brother, Jim Bigelow. Her family remained an important part of her life.

As a young woman, Brenda enjoyed an active life, spending time playing tennis, hiking, and skiing. Her love of being active and outdoors reflected the adventurous spirit she carried throughout her life. Brenda spent her working career as a nurse, dedicating herself to helping others and making a difference in their lives. Later, she continued that calling by teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses. She brought to her work not only compassion and empathy, but also a remarkably sharp mind and an ability to understand complex situations and the people involved in them.

Brenda was known for being exceptionally bright, capable, and thoughtful. She had a natural ability to absorb information, see things clearly, and find her way through challenges. Many who knew her considered her the smartest person in the room, yet she carried that ability with a quiet humility and never needed recognition for it. Her accomplishments in nursing, teaching, and mentoring were a testament to both her abilities and her determination. Above all, Brenda was kind, supportive, and deeply attentive to the needs of those around her. She had a remarkable tendency to worry more about other people than she did about herself, always wanting to make sure that the people she loved were doing well.

She was a loving wife to Jacqueline Allan and a devoted mother to her sons, James and Robert Allan. She was also a proud grandmother to Cade, Huxley, Ellie, and Isaiah, who brought her great joy. Brenda will be remembered for her sharp mind, compassion, generosity of spirit, and the quiet, steadfast way she was there for the people she loved. Through her family, her nursing career, and the many nurses she taught and mentored, she influenced countless lives. Her legacy lives on not only in the people she raised and loved, but also in the people she helped and inspired throughout her life.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, former colleagues, students, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Love in All Ways — Always in Love.