Brenda “Nikki”  HASSENBACH

Obituary of Brenda “Nikki” Josephine HASSENBACH


February 21, 1933 -Manley, Australia
September 16, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Our gracious, caring, gorgeous, fun-loving mother left us at 17:50 (MDT) on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at the age of 87 years.

Brenda (known to most as Nikki) Josephine Hassenbach spent her childhood in her home country of Australia. Her parents, Hylda and Alfred Manners, emigrated from the United Kingdom to Australia.  She in turn emigrated from Australia to Canada. Such was her love for her home country that she never gave up her Australian citizenship and remained an Aussie despite living in Canada more than sixty years. Her wholesome stunning looks granted her modeling gigs in Australia. Her adventurous soul had her heading off backpacking through Europe with her best mate Gay Stoikoff. Nikki was planning to go back home, when she met her soon to be German husband, (Fredrick), whilst travelling through Canada. They raised their three daughters on a dairy farm in Picton, ON.  Nikki relocated to Nanaimo, BC, in the early eighties and to Calgary, AB, in the nineties. All three daughters who now also reside in Alberta were bedside while she passed peacefully. Nikki is well known for her dazzling smile which would light up any room she walked into. Her love of animals would include a host of four-legged and two-legged friends from horses, dogs, cats, racoons, sheep and rabbits to chickens, ducks, budgies....basically anything that needed a safe haven, home and loving.  Her sense of adventure lead her "right the way 'Round" the world through many countries; her sense of humour brought a smile to many "you know …WhoJaKaFoopsie"; her sense of strength saw her struggle through many difficult challenges - especially later in life with dementia. As she often said "the ol' grey mare, she ain't what she used to be"! She was a formidable woman that touched many souls during her short eighty-seven years on planet earth.

She is survived by her daughters, Kris (Larry), Jenny (Hugh) and Leanne (Rick, predeceased). Nikki enjoyed the opportunity to help raise her four grandchildren, Bryndon and Jace Canaday; and Leah and Brett McDonald. Nikki will sorely be missed given that she was such a fantastic mother, friend, confidant, co-worker, the list goes on for such a humble and loving soul. Those who've been blessed enough to know Nikki will miss her dearly.

At the request of our beloved mother, there will not be a public service. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Nikki’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. Nikki’s family is incredibly grateful for the love, care and support given to our mother (and us girls!!!) from Chinook Care Center. You have a wonderful team and, your compassion will be forever remembered.

In living memory of Nikki Hassenbach, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Donation Details

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.
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