Brenda J. Rau

Socialite and retired registered nurse Brenda Rau’s love of life didn’t end with her death. Brenda passed away into our Father’s glory on July 24, 2024 at the age of 83 at Collier Hospice Center surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Brenda was born Sept 14,1940 in Chambersburg, PA. Her parents were Irma Kathleen (Barnes) and William Kenneth Burkholder. She graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1958. In 1961, Brenda completed her 3 year Nursing diploma program at the Lankenau Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA. For the past 66 years, Brenda had been in contact with her fellow nursing students, also known as the “Turtles”. Brenda’s turtle collection was quite extensive! In 1963, she moved to Denver and began working at Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, CO where she worked her entire 32 year nursing career from 1963-1995. She was well known and loved by many in her multiple nursing positions which included charge nurse, nursing supervisor and in her final years as a nurse recruiter. Brenda remained very active in the Alumni of Lutheran.

On Feb 24, 1973, Brenda married the love of her life, Larry Herman Rau. She became a mother for two girls ages 11 and 12, quite a challenge indeed! Brenda gave such unconditional love and care to them for over 51 years. She also loved her grandchildren/great grandchildren and always made sure to get frequent updates on their lives.

Oh how Brenda loved to read, especially mystery and romance novels. Another one of her favorite hobbies was fishing. She was always the first one to catch a fish and was a very competitive fisher. Her favorite fishing locations were Lake Powell and Alaska, South Dakota where they spent summer months with friends.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Larry; a sister, Kenda Hallinan; daughters, Cherie and Cindy; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.