Obituary of Brenda Ann TAYLOR

February 1, 1945 – Calgary, Alberta
April 15, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brenda Ann Taylor (nee Runions), beloved wife of the late Donald James Taylor of Calgary,  AB, on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at the age of 75 years. 

Brenda Ann was a woman with a great heart and love of life. She was a proud Calgarian. She attended St. Mary’s High School where she was Captain of the Cheerleaders, crowned Football Queen and Prefect of the Sodality. The Windermere Valley always had a special place in her heart from when she was a child.  As a young teenager she was particularly proud of swimming across Lake Windermere and back, beating all the boys except one. Upon graduating from high school, Brenda Ann entered into religious life with the Sisters of the Holy Names where she studied and began her teaching career. She left the order in 1971 and continued her journey in education.  She spent two years at the University of Oregon in Eugene where she graduated with a BA/B.Ed. She later went on to achieve a Master’s Degree in Communications from the University of Calgary. Her career goal was to find a role where she would be of service to others. Brenda Ann taught at the Calgary Separate School Board and at the University of Calgary.  She was passionate about her students and their learning.  She was delighted to then join Hospice Calgary where she worked for ten years to help raise the awareness of the importance of end of life care in the City of Calgary. After Hospice she then began work with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary where she loved working closely with parishioners and building community.  The final stage of her career was with the Centre for Suicide Prevention. It was here she worked collaboratively with a team that she loved, to be a source for those in distress and coping with loss along with educating the community which resulted in saving lives. Brenda Ann proudly worked with this special organization until she entered the Southwood Hospice.  Throughout her working life, her vocation was service to others.

Brenda Ann’s life was very blessed when she met Donald James Taylor in 1973 and their ‘forever’ love story began.  Married over forty years, they shared many journeys through their life together including wonderful trips, sporting events, and family get-togethers. Brenda Ann was an amazing mother. She always said her greatest gift was her boys, Paul and Matt.   She was very proud of them and the men they have become.  She was an incredible partner, sister, confidant and friend. Her passion, enthusiasm and zest for life were evident in the many elegant parties she hosted and the grand celebrations she planned. Her favorite times were when she was surrounded by family and friends. 

Brenda Ann is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Heather and Matthew and Serena; sister Suzanne and brother in-law Alex Lemmens; nieces, Michelle Lemmens (Shaun), and Lisa Vlooswyk (Anton); grandchildren Emsley, Callum, and Jim; and grandnephews Curtis and Luke. Brenda Ann will be deeply missed. She was a woman of great faith and grace. 

The family wishes to thank all of the staff at the Southwood Hospice for helping Brenda Ann with compassion, care and comfort in her final days.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Brenda Ann’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Center for Suicide Prevention, Suite 320, 105 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1, Telephone: (403) 245-3900,  https://www.suicideinfo.ca/donate/.

In living memory of Brenda Ann Taylor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB, T2X 3J3,  Telephone: 403- 256-9575.