Brenda B Henkel

Brenda Beth (Jochnowitz) Henkel died peacefully at her home in Colorado Springs on February 9, 2023 at the age of 79. She was surrounded by loved ones through the end. She is survived by her children, Glenn (Lisa) Henkel and Ann (David) Fay, her grandchildren, Grace, David, Isaac, and Evelyn, her siblings, Michael (Lynn) Jochnowitz, HIllary (Noam) Harpaz, and Alice Trujillo, her extended family, and her many, many friends and neighbors. She was universally adored by all of them.

Brenda was preceded in death by Gary, who was not only her husband, but also her best friend.

Brenda was born in Jamaica, NY to Sarah Ruth and Sidney Jochnowitz. She was a charming child whose natural curiosity and fierce independence made for an equally charming childhood in East Patchogue. Brenda delighted her siblings (less so her parents) with her penchant for bringing foundlings into the household. Baby squirrels and newly-hatched sparrows were nurtured until they could be released; a spoiled screech owl named “Wee Willie Winkie” and a goose named Giggs rounded out the assortment of household companions and pets.

The innate curiosity of her childhood led her, perhaps unsurprisingly, into teaching, first in California, then Texas, and finally to District 11/Russell Middle School. As a middle school science teacher, she applied her kindness, humor, and love to cultivating a nurturing environment for the many hundreds of children who passed through her classroom through the years. She helped countless children discover their own curiosity by developing their determination and confidence. She was a trusted colleague and a faithful mentor to young teachers, as well. Her success in the classroom was a direct result of her talent with and love for children, especially her own. She delighted in Glenn and Ann; simply, they were her (and Gary’s) pride and joy.

She was mad (and made) for horses, and spent as much time as possible in her saddle and stirrups. Kindy and Nimble, both Arabians, were stalwart companions over the years, and became handsome subjects of her many paintings. She devoted much of her artistic talent to those faithful friends.

Brenda’s artistry was not limited to painting, however. She was an accomplished knitter, and could pull and shape tangles of yarn into shawls or blankets (or even dinosaurs). She spent her years as a mother (and grandmother) applying her creativity not only to yarn, but also to clay, needle and thread, culinary creations, and, of course, gingerbread. Brenda was graciously devoted to tending her garden; her peppers and tomatoes were as great a source of pride as her horsemanship. In every aspect, her truest nature as an artist came forward; her canvases and tools would change, but “art” was the end result.

We know that once you have had a good Dobie, a life without one is unfathomable. After Kaiser and Taisho I/Taisho II (we don’t talk much about Taffy), Brenda finally dragged Gary, protesting all the way, into puppyhood again. Beau lived up to his predecessors’ charms, and paved the way for a 5th Dobie, Sebastian, whose loyalty and companionship brought Brenda much comfort, especially in this last year.

In her retirement from teaching, she seemed busier than ever. She became a devoted volunteer for the Assistance League of Colorado Springs, a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children (which has been her heart’s mission the whole of her life). The Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center allowed her to merge that mission with her affinity for horses; she became a constant presence at Mark Reyner Stables, devoting her time, passion, and energy as a hippotherapy volunteer. She loved this work beyond measure, and we know her absence will be deeply felt by those who volunteered at her side.

With her passing, we all mourn, deeply and truly, for our loss, as seventy-nine years was not nearly enough time. But we also remember, with smiles and laughter, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. The words of her devoted sister, Alice, come forward: “canta y no llores/sing and don’t cry.”

Private family burial will be held. A reception for friends to celebrate Brenda’s life and legacy will be held on Monday, February 27 @ 11am at Memorial Gardens on Airport Road and Academy (be aware of the construction traffic in the immediate area of the Gardens).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center

https://www.cstrc.org/

Mark Reyner Stables

3254 Paseo Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

719-634-4173