Brenda Ann was my Gr 8 teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas school in Kenora. Of course back then she was Sister Brenda Ann. She was such a fantastic teacher. We used to call on her on Friday nights to come out with us for pizza. She was so cool.

She was a family friend, and with my parents blessing arranged with a friend to have me go back country skiing with CMH (Cdn Mountain Holidays) in Yoho National Park. We flew to Calgary together, stayed the night with her folks then she drove me to Banff to meet the CMH folks, get equipped and have the ski trip of a life time. It was during that trip she told me she was leaving the Sisterhood. I was glad for her, because she was so young and vibrant. I am so happy to hear how her life unfolded, but so sorry to her of her passing. I have meant to reach out to her for years now - and now I am too late - to tell her how much of an impact she had on me in such as short period of time.

I knew Brenda Ann when we were both students at St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg. In the past few years it was wonderful getting reacquainted with her through a book club. I will miss her inspiring comments, keen insights, and warm presence.

My deepest condolences to the family.

Rest in peace Brenda Ann.

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Brenda Ann. I had not seen Brenda for many years but she and my mother, Gabrielle (Kennedy/Geisler) Buckland were close many years ago. I remember spending time at the house with Brenda and Don and one lovely afternoon, Donald taking pre-wedding pictures of my mothers second marriage in their backyard and sipping on gin and tonics. I remember her as a very kind and lovely women and a great mentor for a young women of my age.

Both my mother and I send our heartfelt condolences to the all of the family.

Michele Geisler and Gabrielle Buckland.

My condolences to you, her boys, and your wives, and to Suzanne and your family. Brenda and I entered the Sisters of the Holy Names back in 1963. We spent 2 years in Montreal before making our first vows. It was here that we thoroughly enjoyed her spirited rendition of the "Bumble Bee Boogie' along with other tunes. Not exactly Gregorian Chant...Upon our return to Winnipeg, we lived in community together and taught together. She was a gifted teacher with any number of skills. Her obituary pays tribute to the woman she was. It was a privilege to know her. God bless and keep each one of you. Sister Marylyn Gibney

Joanne Pundyk, SNJM April 24, 2020, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil

I just heard of Brenda Ann's death this morning. I knew she was struggling with illness and kept her and family in my prayers. So sad to know that she has gone. The last time I saw her was in 2008, but she was always alive in my memory. We entered the Sisters of the Holy Names together along with five other young women. What an adventure! B.A.'s compassion, solid faith and good humour always impressed me. My condolences to Paul, Matt, Suzanne and the other members of the family. May all the happy memories you have of Brenda Ann be of deep consolation to you. Her life has not ended but has been transformed to beauty beyond imagining.

My prayers and thoughts are with you, Joanne

Near the end of my social work program I completed a practicum at the Centre for Suicode Prevention, where I met Brenda Ann. I dont think there are words to fully describe the joyful, compassionate, full of life person that she was. Though my time at CSP was brief, I cherished the conversations, lunches, and great conversations that I had with her. I was so deeply saddened to hear of her passing. The world has definitely lost a brilliant light. I'm sending my deepest condolences to her family as well as those at the CSP office who loved her dearly.

“Are you in bed?” These were often Brenda Ann’s first words when I’d answer her night time phone calls. It wouldn’t have mattered because a call from BA was always a delight - and never short, so bed was as good a place as any to enjoy the long conversations. We covered world events and personal struggles as well as bad jokes and tales of times past. Mostly, whether on the phone or in person or through email, Brenda Ann exuded humor, compassion, love and the strength of a faith-filled life. She gave her all to her family, her friends, her colleagues, her work. She spoke only with great love for ‘her Donald’, her boys, her grandchildren. Through all of her own pain and heartaches, she always asked about the needs of others. A remarkable woman, Brenda Ann has had a positive impact on all whose lives she touched, including spouses of friends. Carl always enjoyed running into Brenda Ann and Suzanne as they sipped coffee at the food carousel at South Centre. He, too, always felt blessed by every encounter. Now our encounters are changed but not gone. Now she will guide and bless us from around a corner where she will continue to touch our hearts. Rest In Peace, dear lady, dear friend. Anna

From St. Gerard’s Parish Book Club - Carolyn, Doreen, Linda, Liz, Lois, Marie, Mary, and Pat

-Brenda Ann was one of those larger than life people.  She always had time for you, always listened as if your story was the only one she wanted to hear, always had a chuckle, and sometimes a belly laugh, to share with you.   She will be sadly missed in so many places, not the least of which will be sitting among us at Book Club, with her wise and well grounded thoughts and explanations, and her beautiful smile.

-I will miss her insightful observations and lessons in compassion. My prayers are with her and her family.

-Heaven’s gain is our loss. It was a joy to get to know her in our Book Club and she will be missed so much. I feel very sad.

-I so enjoyed her at Book Club . I was a student at St. Mary’s Academy and knew her at that time. I feel very sad.

 -Will miss her compassionate spirit and love of humanity and her grounded  deep faith.  I am privileged to have known her.

Dear Paul, Matt, Suzanne, and family, I'm thinking of you all at this time. I am so grateful to have had Brenda Ann as a mentor and friend. Without her influence, my life would be very different - she has influenced me in so many positive ways and helped me grow both in my career and as a person. She taught me so much about the field of communications and about life and love and faith and joy. Her curiosity, creativity, intelligence, compassion and friendship will be missed, but she will live on in the hearts and lives of the many people she touched. My thoughts are with you, Crystal.

Dear Paul and Matthew

We feel a deep sorrow over the passing of your Mum.

It is very difficult to say goodbye to a parent. They are such an integral part of the family. Mothers always hold a special place in children’s hearts and souls. She will always be with you, as she is a part of you, just as you were always a part of her. Please know Paul and Matthew that our thoughts and prayers are with you both during this very sad time. Your mum is now with your dad, resting peacefully.

Affectionately Gabe and Fred Taylor

Dear Paul Mathew Suzanne & Family

We know that you understand what a presence Brenda Ann was in our lives & what a huge loss we feel with her passing.

She was a dear wife, mother, sister, grandmother & friend to so so many people. She lived with devotion & commitment to make other peoples lives better. When Brenda Ann took on a project it was never left with out completion.

She was a very good friend of ours & we will miss her dearly.

May the special memories of Brenda Ann live on in your hearts & bring you comfort throughout the coming days.

Warmly,

Sheila & Ralph Gurevitch

Dear Alex, Suzanne and family, our heartfelt condolences at the loss of your sister and sister-in-law. May you find peace knowing that you will be together again one day.

Dear Suzanne, Paul, Matt and all the family. It is with a very heavy heart we are sending our most deepest, dearest and sincere condolences on the loss of our beautiful, strong, caring, giving, intelligent and now ever missed Brenda Ann. BA will be truly missed by all she touched in her unique and memorable way as we were all BLESSED to have had her in our lives. BA was a trailblazer and stood strong in her convictions. She is now reunited with Dad and may they both be walking with no pain, strength, health and truly enjoying each other again and now embrace again forever. We know in our hearts how the family and friends are feeling this great loss and how her passing will change our lives forever. It is hard to express with words without breaking into tears and makes us want to run home and hug our families and not let go as we should never forget what a Blessing they are. Family was so very important to both BA and Dad. I have solace knowing both Dad and BA are now watching over us. May BA now be soaring with the Angels and be resting peacefully in the arms of her loving God’s. Dad & BA you will be missed beyond words. Our prayers go out in this saddest of times.

Luv, hugs, tears and prayers

Barbara, Cayla & Owen

Martha Chisholm

April 17, 2020

Paul, Matt, Suzanne and family,

Brenda Ann was an amazing woman. She touched many people with her faith and kindness.

Brenda Ann and I met in 1963. I feel privileged to have been her friend.

I will miss our phone conversations- some were serious, others were lighthearted however they were liberally sprinkled with laughter. I have many loving memories that I will hold in my heart.

Brenda Ann, I will miss you however we will meet again.

My heart goes out to the Taylor family. Brenda Ann was a bright, positive and astute women. Her balance of strength, dedication and caring will leave a legacy to many. My family will miss her very much as I’m sure all of those who got to know her. All the best in these challenging times.Take care . Ross Snashall

My heart goes out to all of Brenda Ann’s family and friends. Her kind spirit will undoubtably be missed by her loved ones who were blessed to have her in their lives. As a CSP Trainer and Mentor outside of Alberta, my interactions with her were not many, but her spirit of helpfulness and her loving nature alway shone through. Rest In peace, Brenda Ann. You are now in God’s care.

My deep condolences to Brenda Ann's family. Brenda Ann and I met through the Centre for Suicide Prevention. She inspired me with her resilience and always treated me with great consideration. I will miss her kind smile and amazing personality. Sending prayers.

So sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to all your family. Love the McGuire Family

Paul, Matt, Suzanne and Family,

I feel the loss of Brenda Ann, a wise and cherished friend.

We both enjoyed the writings of John O’Donohue and a few lines from his poem ‘On the Death of the Beloved’ seem appropriate at this time.

When orchids brighten the earth,

Darkest winter has turned to spring;

May this dark grief flower with hope

In every heart that loves you.

Love and prayers, Carole

Our hearts are broken to hear of the passing of Breda Ann. Please accept our deepest condolences. She is at peace. No more pain or suffering and she is with the love of her life, Don in the embrace of God. Brenda Ann was a beautiful person, intelligent, caring and genuine. We will miss her and will cherish the many memories we have made over the years . Rest in Peace.

The world has truly lost one of its “angels”. Brenda Ann always made you feel special...like you were THE most important person in a crowd. It’s so sad that there will be no funeral as that is such an important part of the grieving process. I hope you are able to take comfort in the fact that she was joining Don and Jesus her lord and saviour. Virtual hugs for all

We are so saddened to hear the passing of your beautiful mother! Jim and I have many fond memories of both your mom, dad and the Taylor family. May all your fond memories comfort you during this most difficult time. She will surely be missed by all who knew her. Love Jim, Sandra and family

Even though we knew it was coming, I'm so sorry to hear about Brenda Ann's passing. She was truly one of those individuals you remember for the rest of your life; passionate, generous, warm, kind, always inquisitive, and simply genuine. What a life she had and the stories she shared! Her family and husband were her greatest treasures, and I walked away with something positive whenever we had the chance to chat. We were all blessed to have known her, many prayers.

Dear Suzanne - My deep sympathy and love to you and family at the death of such a beautiful person as Brenda Ann.

What a wonderful loving and caring person who will be missed. Love and prayers, Sister Gloria

Heaven has gained a beautiful bright light , whom we, unfortunately will be missing greatly. Brenda Ann was such an inspiration to so many, and she leaves a tremendous legacy. This was a lady who walked the walk. She truly lived what she believed. I count myself blessed to have known her. Will always remember her lovely laugh and her great stories. Sending sincere condolences and prayers to the family in your grief. May she rest in peace.

BA was a kind and generous soul. She was so proud of her family,her sons and their families. She was also proud of her Ducks and we shared many laughs about this. Helen and I send our condolences to Paul,Matt and the rest of her family.

My deepest condolences to your family. Mrs. Taylor, as I knew her was the sweetest mother to Paul (my classmate back in elementary school), and Matt (who was in my sister’s class). I will never forget her fierce interest and warmth during conversations. She was always thoughtful and genuine. She delivered a care package to our home once, during a difficult family time. Her kindness will always be remembered. May your family feel love and strength during this time. Thoughts and prayers to all. Sara dela Torre (nee Grady)

My condolences to Brenda Ann’s family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. I know Brenda Ann as a long-distance friend, mentor and second mom to my daughter Crystal, and a true inspiration and testament of faith. Thank you, Brenda Ann. Your friend, Brenda Christians

Brenda Ann gave Don a whole new life and family.

They were great friends of mine in my early years in Calgary. They were obviously a loving couple. She had a huge compassion for others and always was gracious in her private and public life.

Ron Foster

Late night phone calls because we were both such poor sleepers! Frequent text messages - BA’s were always full of emojis!!

A lady whose mentoring and wisdom gave me the courage to continue the journey when life dealt some hard blows. Laughter; tears. She told me that her next role was to teach me how to be a ‘widow’! Not a lesson I wanted to embrace, but I witnessed the grace and dignity with which she walked that lonely, pain filled road.

Breakfasts together when we needed that ‘girl’ time. Her tremendous love for her Don & Paul & Matthew. Notes & cards filled with loving messages - I find them tucked away in my bibles, journals, spiritual books - I shall treasure them always.

Brenda Ann was truly a gift from God to everyone whose life she touched. For anyone who did not appreciate the gift that she was...you failed to see the actual presence of God in this wonderful lady.

Brenda Ann - another piece of my heart is gone. Your friendship will continue to bless me for the rest of my life. I will love & pray for your beloved family always. Your kindred spirit...Doreen

A beautiful person I only met a few years ago but has made an everlasting impact on my life. My thoughts are with her boys and family during this difficult time.