Brenda Lynne Yip

It is with great sadness that the family of Brenda Yip announces her peaceful passing on November 14, 2025, at the age of 77. Brenda is survived by her children Tyler Yip (Anna Bond), Derek Yip (Kathy Yip), and Sarah Longe (Jamie Longe); her grandchildren Asher Yip, Jonah Yip, Cole Beck, Julia Beck, and Dawson Beck; her brother-in-law Rick Martinec and brother-in-law Lance Yip (Susan Philips); and many extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Tod Yip, her second life partner Ron Basarab, her parents Florence and Arthur Cottrell, her sister Pat Dixon (née Cottrell), and an infant daughter.

Brenda was born on September 3, 1948, in Winnipeg to Florence and Arthur Cottrell. She grew up on Valour Road, where she spent many happy childhood days playing with her younger sister Pat. Brenda and Pat often travelled with their mother to Brandon to visit cousins and their Aunt Hilda. Brenda attended Gordon Bell Collegiate. Then, before completing high school, she decided to follow her passion for caregiving by volunteering at Victoria Hospital, where she found a deep sense of purpose and belonging. Many years later, Brenda attended an adult education program at Sturgeon Creek and completed her high-school diploma. She held various administrative jobs throughout her life, eventually settling with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, where she worked until her retirement in 2010.

In 1970, Brenda married Tod Yip, the love of her life. Together they raised three children—Tyler, Derek, and Sarah. Brenda loved her children fervently, providing unwavering support to them, her husband, sister, mother and close friends. She volunteered extensively on school parent councils and chaperoned countless school trips. With the help of her sister Pat, Brenda publicly advocated for their mother to receive dialysis treatment at a time when there was no health insurance to cover the cost. Brenda cared for Tod following his cancer diagnosis and remained a sturdy support for him and their children during his illness.

After Tod’s passing in January 2001, Brenda worked hard to rebuild joy in her life. She travelled later that year with her three children on a Caribbean cruise. In 2008, her children took her to New York City on a surprise 60th birthday trip. Later in life, Brenda and her partner Ron Basarab traveled across Canada, the United States, and overseas. During retirement, she loved spending time with her growing family, especially grandchildren Asher, Jonah, Cole, Julia, and Dawson.

Brenda celebrated her 70th birthday in 2018 with a lively and unforgettable birthday bash, surrounded by the people she loved most. Ron’s passing in March 2019 was another profound loss for her. Not long afterwards, Brenda began her journey with early-onset dementia and in her remaining years was surrounded by love, family, and music.

Brenda will be remembered for her charisma, warm smile, and contagious laugh. She had a presence that lit up any room she entered. She was an amazing cook who hosted regular family dinners and passed down cherished recipes—including the beloved Yip wonton recipe. She loved to shop, especially with family—who might call her up for a spontaneous trip to Costco—and she treasured time spent with family and friends. Brenda delighted in seeing her best friend Sharel Miller in Calgary and her Auntie Hilda in Brandon, and enjoyed a surprise trip to Vancouver with daughter Sarah to celebrate her brother-in-law Lance’s 70th birthday.

She adored music, with favourites ranging from Leonard Cohen, Prince, k.d. lang, and Norah Jones to Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Diana Krall. In fact, Brenda enjoyed attending live performances by almost all of these artists. She always dressed and carried herself with style, and she had a gift for bringing out the best in people. Her positive energy always made others feel seen, loved, and at ease. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren and played an essential role in helping care for them when they were very young.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff on the third floor of Oakview Extendicare Personal Care Home, who cared for Brenda with kindness and dignity during her last seventeen months.

A service to honour Brenda’s life will be held on Thursday, November 27th at 2:00pm, at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, in Winnipeg.

Brenda will forever be remembered for her love, humour, generosity, and the warm energy she brought into the world. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and family—one that will continue to shine through all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brenda’s honour to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.