Obituary of Brenda Mary Buchholz

April 26, 1933 – Brighton, England

September 25, 2023– Calgary, Alberta

Brenda Buchholz (nee Johnson), of Calgary AB. passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the age of 90 years.

Brenda grew up in Brighton, England and lived through war times. She had an adventurous spirit, leaving home at the young age of fifteen to skate professionally in Gala Shows through Europe and South Africa. 

The highlight of her career was skating in a command performance for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in the early 50s. Brenda met and later married Allan Buchholz, a professional goalie who played for the Yorkton Terriers before going pro in Europe and playing for the Brighton Tigers. They then moved back to Yorkton, SK. in 1954.

She contributed much in her years to community events, skating clubs and as a serious competitive curler out of the Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club in Winnipeg, MB. Brenda was an avid entertainer throughout her life, bringing joy and laughter to many. When called upon for many charity events, Brenda’s generous performance of her character Mrs. Shufflewick was met with laughter and much applause. She was always a very big hit!

She expanded her career as a manufacturer’s agent, building her own sales agency and in later years volunteering at The Children’s Hospital in Calgary, AB.

Brenda is predeceased by her mother Louise Bull Johnson (Nana Min), father Geoffrey Johnson, sister Beryl (Pat Goldsmith), brother Derek (Yvonne).

Brenda had two children Derek Murray (Maureen), and Karen Lee Hilton (Don), Grandchildren Jesse Buchholz (Jen), Brant Hilton, Callie Hilton, and a niece Caron Armstrong (residing in Brighton England).

Brenda was a vivacious, beautiful, determined, loving woman who brought adventure, joy, and strength to her family and those who were blessed to be her friend. Her life was passionately lived with laughter, fortitude, generosity and love. We will cherish our memories, keep her in our hearts and miss her always!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to nephrologist Dr. Scott Douglas and his amazing team, Viola and the beautiful staff at Northland Dialysis centre, Dr. Margot McLean and Dr. Morin-Toro, the compassionate medical team and individuals at Dulcina Hospice for their tender, loving care of Brenda during her Dialysis journey over the past years. Our gratitude is immeasurable!!

“There is a sacredness in TEARS.

They are not the mark of weakness but of POWER.

They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.

They are messages of overwhelming GRIEF

And unspeakable LOVE.”

- Rumi

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca.

In living memory of Brenda Mary Buchholz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.