Brenda Margaret (Bewick) Fyfe

Brenda was born on August 17, 1941 in Winnipeg, MB. She was first child born to parents George and Anne Bewick. She had a full childhood traveling to the beach by train and playing with younger siblings (Sharon, Dianne) and friends. Mom’s father died in the early 1950’s adding a greater burden to our Grandma Anne, Mom and her sisters. The death of her sister Dianne as a young adult, due to an illness, was another hardship suffered by Mom.

Brenda grew up in Winnipeg in the St James community and proudly graduated from Silver Heights High School in the 1960’s. Soon after Mom joined the WRNS - Women’s Royal Navy Service and learned many valuable skills. Our Grandmother Anne worked several years in the China department at Eaton’s downtown. Mom and her sisters where used as models in the Eaton’s catalogue in their early years. Mom worked at Eaton’s downtown and there she met and later married Gerry Fyfe on May 18, 1962. Son, Jerry, was born December 1962. They lived in small home in West Kildonan on Beecher Ave until their daughter, Karen, arrived June 1964. The expanding family moved to West St Paul on Rossmore Ave and their daughter, Wendy, was born June 1965. Mom’s days were filled caring for 3 toddlers under five. Mom had many cherished friends in West St Paul including all the Fyfe relatives and Bill and Kay Mihychuk who were very generous landlords. With the addition of their fourth child, Catherine, in April 1969, more space was needed so the family moved to Addis Ave (one street over) where husband Gerry still resides today. Mom became a homemaker to care for her active and mischievous young children. Mom loved to bake and there were always dozens of home-made cookies when we arrived home from school. The apple, raisin and lemon meringue pies didn’t last very long.

She encouraged all her kids to play baseball as she loved sports.

Mom cheered loudly for her beloved Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team in the summer and Mens/Womens curling in the winter. Watching the Olympics was her favorite, especially swimming since she loved to swim.

Mom enrolled us girls in Brownies/Girl Guides and Jerry in Scouts knowing that this would teach us valuable life skills. Brenda was a wonderful teacher and was very patient with us. Halloween costumes were all homemade and very creative and Mom would provide the finishing touches.

Mom loved taking us kids downtown to see Grandma Anne or have the occasional lunch at The Bay Paddlewheel restaurant. It was always an adventure to travel downtown on the Selkirk Beaver bus.

We enjoy many vacations in a cabin in Grand Marais, went on day trips to Winnipeg Beach and went on long drives for ice cream and hot dogs. There were frequent trips to Woodlands and Warren MB to see sister Sharon’s family including nephews Lance and Todd Peterkin. Going to the ‘farm’ with horses was enjoyed by all.

Mom cherished our visits to the Bill and Marg Sikorski home in East Kildonan and later in the town of Isle de Chene. Mom loved her house visits with her dear friend Marg for tea, dainties, and the abundance of tasty baked loafs.

Mom was challenged with the health concerns associated with having rheumatoid arthritis. Some days were tough but she never burdened us with her troubles. Mom loved her traditions, especially during the holidays. Christmas was always special where she planned a huge turkey dinner and spent Christmas Eve making dainties, nanaimo squares and baking butter tarts and mincemeat tarts. Christmas gifts were thoughtful and we all have fond memories of Christmas morning. Easter would be celebrated with gifts and an Easter egg hunt. As a child Grandma Anne would buy the girls a new Easter dress to celebrate the day. Family dinners on Sunday were always great with her traditional English inspired meals of roast beef and potatoes. Birthdays were special by celebrating them at Kildonan Park with a picnic.

Mom was thrilled to become a grandmother in January 1997 when her first granddaughter, Rachel Ostasz, was born to Glenn and Wendy Ostasz in Winnipeg. Granddaughter Jenna followed three years later in July 2000. Mom loved playing with the girls; listening to their stories, making special ‘kids’ meals and treats. She was generous with her love as well as so many gifts.

Granddaughter Charlotte was born in August 2005 to Jerry and Emma Fyfe in Vancouver, BC. Granddaughter Claire was born three years later in October 2008. Mom loved when Jerry, Emma and the girls came to Winnipeg to visit. She enjoyed hearing from them and getting frequent updates on their lives including great pictures.

She so enjoyed reading Harlequin romance novels and doing word-finds and crossword puzzles. Mom was hooked on many soap operas and was entertained with countless game shows. She kept up with local and global news and contributed to many family discussions on the news of the day.

In more recent years, Mom’s weakening health required outside help to care for her day-to-day needs. We would like to thank the home care staff and St Joseph’s Residence Personal Care home for their kind and compassionate care they gave to our Mom.

Mom had a huge heart – she loved her children, grandchildren and her all the family pets.

We ask that, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Arthritis Society and St Joseph’s Residence Personal Care home.

Mom, we are so blessed to have been surrounded by your love for so many years. We love you more than words can say.