It is with great sadness that the family announce that Brenda passed away peacefully on Christmas morning with her loving husband Adam by her side. She is survived by Adam and their 2 children, Brielle and Aleksander, her parents, Teona and Doug, sisters Janet, Linda and Cheryl and grandparents Ken and Arthurine Dampier and Roberta Bisson. She also had many aunts, uncles, nephews and inlaws who loved her and will miss her very much.
Brenda was born in Innisfail, Alberta on February 18,1982. Always smiling and happy, she was curious and wanted to touch and experience all that she could. She was moved around to Shawnigan Lake, Saanichton, Red Deer and Victoria with her family. She attended Marigold elementary school, Colquitz middle school and Spectrum high school. Adam became her high school sweetheart and she learned to express herself through Band, Drama, Choir and Musical theatre. She was a fierce, hard nosed soccer player with the Gorge and was part of the Colquitz girl’s soccer team when they won their first Island Championship.
She took on part time jobs, including paper carrier and pharmacy clerk and eventually becoming a pharmacy technician. After saving her money, she ventured off to Europe with a friend. Brenda was never shy about trying new things and going to new places. Brenda and Adam moved to Edmonton briefly to broaden their horizons. They returned to Victoria and were married in the back yard of her parents’ home with friends and family on July 4, 2003, with a Hawaiian theme. Brenda was radiant (looking a little like Bo Derrick).
Brielle was born the next June and the young family was settled in Victoria. 3 years later, Brenda was pregnant with Aleksander. Before he was born, she had a lump surgically removed from her back. On Boxing Day 2006, she was told that the biopsy of the lump showed cancer. As a child, it was discovered that she had neurofibromisitosis. She had lumps removed from her back periodically since she was 11 years old but all had been benign. After Alek was born, she had months of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments to combat the Sarcoma Cancer.
Brenda was always positive and battled the cancer with the hope of seeing her young family grow. For the next 3 years, she seemed to have tamed the disease. She lived life with gusto and flair and proudly signed up to play soccer again with the “Gorge Force”. Her family life and her health seemed to be going the way that she wanted.
8 months ago, Brenda was suddenly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She spent months in Vancouver receiving blood transfusions, more chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant from her sister Linda’s donation. We all loved Brenda and always believed that she would again survive. She was a strong woman and a battler and if anyone could beat cancer back again, it was Brenda.
2 days before Christmas, Brenda was admitted to hospital. On Christmas Eve, the family was summoned to the hospital as her condition continued to deteriorate. She passed away peacefully Christmas morning. Brenda must have been a special person for God to take her on Christmas Day.
A private family service will be held now, with a “Celebration of Life” to be held in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brenda’s young family. You can make out cheques to “Brenda Derkacz” and send to 583 Aquarius Road, Victoria, BC, V9C 4G5. Donations may also be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
39 Responses
I miss my mom soo much you don’t even know.
I barely got to know her and it was on Christmas day that telly sucks.
Everytime I saw her she was smiling but the only time I saw her sad was when she was in the hospital.
My brother Aleksander only knew her for 3 years.
She was only 28 years old.
I moved away from my family and I miss them a lot.
After that I got a step mom she was soo mean to me. By:brielle d
Sorry to read about Brenda passing. Facebook lrfelker@hotmail.com
Hi there, I went to school with Brenda. My hearts aches to hear the news of her passing away. My thoughts and prayer are with you at all times. Feel free to contact me at anytime.
Our heart felt condolences to all family members on Brenda’s passing.
I work with Brenda’s loving sister Linda, and unfortunately, I was only blessed to have met Brenda a couple of times. Over the past year or so, Linda has shared many wonderful stories and memories with me of Brenda. She sounds like an amazing and strong person and I wish I could have gotten to know her. Having gone through this with my own family, I understand how difficult it has been for you all and I would just like to offer my deepest and sincere condolences to you all.
When we met in high school, I knew that Brenda was a very special person. After high school, we each went down our own paths but reconnected a few years ago. Despite her own battles, she was a continuous source of support when our little girl had cancer. It was so special to see her this past summer and have a chance to catch up in person after so many years. Her strength and positive attitude are matched by so few people; it is amazing how brightly her light shone even when we were teenagers. I am sure there is not a person on earth who could have a negative thing to say about her.
Brenda, you were a warm, positive, thoughtful, courageous and inspiring woman. Words would never be enough to capture the essence of your incredible spirit. May you rest in peace, always with AJ, Brielle, Alek and those you love. God bless and deepest condolences to your family.
To the Bisson Family
Brenda was an amazing person. She was so sweet, kind, loving, and gentle. She also had a wonderful funny side. It was a pleasure to know her growing up with Cheryl and through soccer.
She was apart of an inspirational family. I have always admired the strength that the Bisson family held. You are all so supportive, loving, and caring. I am happy that you have each other during this tough time.
My thoughts are with you
What a wonderful person. I am glad to have spent time with Brenda this summer / fall and over the years. Her friendly, positive and determined spirit was and will always be greatly admired. Her unique upbeat perspective was truly remarkable. My sincere condolences go out to her family. Brenda’s beautiful smile will be with me, as well as everyone she knew forever.
I chose to send a private condolence to the family through this mode. I only knew Brenda through my friendship with Arthurine, who I hold in high esteem for her love of God and her love of her
fellow human beings. Being a granddaughter of Arthurine, it is obvious why Brenda is spoken so highly of by all who have met and loved her.