Obituary of Brenda Jo Thornley ROBINSON (nee Fleming)

June 18, 1943 - Calgary, Alberta
December 30, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Brenda Jo Thornley Robinson, announces her passing on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the age 77, in Calgary, AB, after a courageous fight with cancer.

Brenda was born in Calgary to Joseph and Joyce Fleming on June 18, 1943. She attended Queen Elizabeth High School and because of her strong commitment to work with people and especially children, she went on to earn a degree in Social Work. She married the late Jim Robinson in 1965 and later divorced. After several years of work, raising her children, and a 30 year involvement in Scouting, Brenda pursued yet another career as a mediator, trainer, and coach. In 2008 she began her new relationship with her loving partner, and husband, Gary Selby.

Brenda had a love for music, attending many CPO concerts, playing the piano and singing in the church choir. She was always the perfect hostess, enjoyed camping, Stampeders, and travelling. She had great fondness for dogs (instilled in her from her father) and was an avid reader.

Brenda is survived by her husband Gary Selby, two children, Cory Robinson (Marie) and Shannon Robinson; stepchildren, Ryan Selby (Veronica), Trevor Selby (Lisa), and Tyler Selby (Katherine); step-grandchildren, Maxwell, Makayla, Kylie, Taya, Layne, Beau, and Theo; as well as numerous family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Joyce Fleming.

She will be fondly remembered for her deep love for family and friends, determined spirit, and great sense of fun and humour.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, A Private Funeral will be held for invited guests only, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Calgary, on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. MST, with Reverend Christine Conkin officiating. The service will be livestreamed for all other friends and family not able to attend, at https://vimeo.com/event/584110 and on Brenda’s online obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. A recording of the service will be available for 30 days online shortly thereafter. Private burial service will follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Alberta Palliative Care Home Care, Vytality at Home, and Agape Hospice. 

In living memory of Brenda Robinson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.