Brenda Margaret Davies (nee Barker), born 8 March 1925, Watford, England, the 6th child of Donald William Elsom Barker and Ethel Roalfe Barker. Former wife of the late John S. Davies. Died at home in Victoria 27 June 2010.
Brenda left home for a Canadian adventure in 1948 and made a life in Medicine Hat, Victoria and on SaltSpring Island. She engaged in an extensive career of community involvement including years with the Need Crisis line, hospice work, the Anglican Church and Guiding. She loved children, travel, nature, reading, brisk walks, good conversation, dogs, gardening, Wimbledon, knitting, cribbage and crossword puzzles. Her determined personality, endless energy, impressive organizational skills, dry sense of humour, and capacity for love and acceptance are legendary.
Brenda leaves as her most lively legacy her beloved family – 8 children, 6 daughters- & sons-in-law, and 16 grandchildren. Ian, Gwyneth, Doreen, Megan, Kevin, Alan, Elaine and Michael will never forget their mother and have been honoured to support her wish to remain at home during years limited by Parkinson’s disease but lived by Brenda with joy and enthusiasm. Our mother has been respectfully and lovingly cared for by many caregivers, most particularly Jennifer, Heather, Diana, Sonia, Linda, Marla, Millen and Taylor. Special thanks to Dr Ted Rosenberg and nurses Vicki and Ann. She will also be greatly missed by friends and relations from England and Canada – including brother Dr Derek C. Barker and lifelong friend Yvonne Goggins. Brenda’s family sincerely thanks all who graciously supported our mother in the last years of her life.
In lieu of flowers, Brenda requested donations to the Victoria Parkinsons Centre Society, 813 Darwin Ave, Victoria, BC, V8X 2X7 (www.vepc.bc.ca). A memorial service with a coffee to follow will take place Wednesday 7 July at 1:30 pm at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street, Victoria and a gathering for all in Brenda’s memory will be held on Thursday 8 July at 1:00 pm at the Beaver Point Hall, SaltSpring Island for family and friends.
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Gillian Titcombe nee Gauld
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Sue Williams Dear Ian, Gwyneth, Doreen, Megan, Kevin, Elaine, Alan and Michael,
I have been thinking long and hard about what to write about your wonderful mother and I think what I wanted to say most was thank you to all of you for sharing her with me. Thinking about it now I don’t know how she managed to be such a great mother and grandmother to all of you and your children and still have time to be such a good friend to me. She was always so interested and caring, always remembered so much about me and my children, their ages, likes and dislikes and so many details about them.
I have such lovely memories of taking my boys to Saltspring or to Brenda’s house in Victoria. She always made such an effort. We would always do something fun – a walk, a visit to the playground. There would always be good homemade food – just the kind two growing boys would love.
She would always listen with a sympathetic ear and gave such good advice. Most of all she really cared. My visits to Victoria were never complete without a visit or two to see Brenda. She really was such a special friend to me.
I feel privileged to have known Brenda nearly all my life and will miss her enormously. I send my best wishes to you all from me, and from Tom and Toby.
With lots of love.
Sue Williams
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Marian Hambleton My deepest sympathy and heartfelt good wishes to all of the family. Many happy times were had with Brenda in Victoria, Courtenay, Saltspring Island and even a journey to England together. She loved being at Grandaughter Jessica’s birthday parties when she was little, in Victoria, and a memorable one at the cottage on Saltspring. A contingent of extended family travelled there en masse and it was very fortuitous that the porch did not collapse as we rather over crowded it until it was suggested that some of us go to the beach or onto the lawn. That day was a wonderful day to be remembered with Brenda doing what she loved. Brenda’s love of children was very evident, even extending her caring to Granddaughter Jessica’s brothers Benjamin and Noah. It is wonderful that Brenda’s dream came true, which was to always stay in her family home and have her family around her as much as possible.
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Janice Mori Cherish all the special memories that each and every one of you has of Brenda/Mom/Grandma. You will always have a special place in your heart to hold these memories.
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother as I have been working on my family tree and find that we would be 2nd cousins. My father was a direct cousin to your father and I believe some of you will have met him on a trip to England many years ago. I apologize for the way of making contact and also the delay in acknowledging your loss. Do please contact me on the email I have listed.