There’s no place for politics at the dinner table. Unless of course you were dining with Brenda. But those lively conversations have come to an end as Brenda’s battle with breast cancer took her to her next journey on March 22, 2021. She passed peacefully at her home in Calgary with family and her close friends Monica and Chris by her side. But the discussions around Brenda and of Brenda will continue on forever.
Professionally, Brenda was known for her unrelenting dedication to the political community. Personally, it was, well, the same. She had this characteristic ability to mesh her personal and her professional lives. She was passionate about everything she did and never gave anything but everything she had. She stood up for what she believed in and believed in what she stood up for.”
She was generous, political, guarded, opinionated and kind. And, you always knew there was a big hug coming your way from Brenda as soon as you saw her.
She gave back. Brenda sat on Board of Governors at the University of Regina, her alma mater. She gave to those that she cared for. She gave her time and expertise to those in need of them, be that charities or individuals. Brenda was an excellent cook and loved to host. She didn’t shy away from hosting 1 or 2, 8 or 10, or 90 or 100 of her closest friends.
She loved animals. If there was a cat living within a 10-block radius, it was well fed. Her own cats were treated like royalty. She was an accomplished equestrian, riding with the Canadian Pony Club in Regina in the late 60s and early 70s. After a hiatus, she rekindled her love for horseback riding, finding peace in long rides across the patchwork of the Canadian prairies and the countryside of England.
Her oasis was in the middle of the desert. Palm Springs became her spot. She fell in love with the heat (albeit she may be the only person to have consistently relied on the furnace in the desert), and she fell in love with the people. She forged some of her deepest relationships with those that called PSP home.
Brenda was born on June 12, 1960, in Regina, Saskatchewan. The second youngest of five, she determined early on that life will shape you if you don’t shape your life. She broke down barriers and she moved mountains. She remained committed to those that she cared about most. Brenda was the cool aunt, the giving sister, the friendliest of friends and the doting daughter. She was a little bit of everything to everyone.
Brenda is predeceased by her parents Betty and Efstathios (Staff), and twin Bobby. She is survived by her siblings and sisters-in-law; Barbara, Barrie and Trish, Bryan and Patty and Brent and Coryna. She’ll be forever missed by her nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers feel free to make a donation in her memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Alzheimer Society of Calgary, STARS Air Ambulance or the MEOW Foundation (Calgary cat rescue). When it is safe and healthy to do so, we look forward to gathering and celebrating Brenda’s life together.