Brenda passed away peacefully on June 20, 2020 at Lions Gate Hospital with her daughter, Allison, by her side.
Born on March 4, 1944 in Guelph Ontario to Kathleen (nee Milne) and Frances Bird. Brenda is survived by her daughter Allison, grandchildren Antony and Emily and briefly by her husband John.
Brenda grew up in the small town of Guelph, Ontario and was the youngest of six children. She was small in stature but big in personality. She met John, the love of her life, while working at the same oil and gas company. They married in 1964 and travelled extensively before settling down in the Gleneagles neighbourhood of West Vancouver and building their dream home together in 1981. They welcomed their only child, Allison, in 1973 and were an integral part of the neighbourhood for 48 years.
Brenda loved the opera and the symphony and was a wonderful hostess. She was also excellent company at the dinner table, often engaged in political debate and always knew the score of the recent hockey game. Brenda’s ability to tell a funny tale, often on a whim, made her the life of many parties. An accomplished cook, avid gardener, lover of Labradors (her faithful companion, Simon, always at her side) and masterful story-teller, Brenda gave so much of herself to others. Always quick to help, to offer advice, or just to listen, Brenda touched anyone who met her. While her daughter, Allison was her shining light, it was her grandchildren, Antony and Emily who inspired her.
To say that Brenda mastered any skill she undertook would be an understatement. Professionally accomplished, she worked in the real estate industry for over 35 years, the last 25 of those at Angell Hasman in West Vancouver, until her retirement in 2019 at the age of 75. Brenda had a way of connecting with people that made her remarkably unforgettable. Brenda’s sharp wit and way with words often left one in fits of laughter. Her strength, compassion and humility preceded her. She will be missed by her my friends who remember her sense of humour and empathetic ear.
Brenda’s well-known strength rallied in the last few weeks of her life as she bravely marched forward, always laughing and making little jokes to lighten the mood and carry the brevity of her situation for the benefit of everyone around her. To a fault, Brenda’s spirit, strength, and determination made her an exceptional person and anyone who had the opportunity to meet her would say so.
Forever in our hearts, never forgotten, mom, you once said “the two hardest things are saying hello for the first time and goodbye for the last”, now I know what you meant.
Thank you to Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. McFee for their exceptional care of Brenda; your strength and professional capacity are humbling.
Due to current world events, no celebration of life was possible.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation would be gratefully accepted.
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