Brenda Irene Brigden
(May 31, 1953 – November 9, 2011)
Brenda Essery was born May 31, 1953 at Nokomis, SK and lost her fight with breast cancer on November 9, 2011 in Arcola, SK with her devoted husband Allan by her side. Brenda conducted her struggle against this disease with such grace and dignity that she greatly comforted and fortified her family and friends.
Brenda was the fourth child to Allan and Mabel Essery of Duval, SK. She attended primary and public school in Duval and Strasbourg, SK, where she was fully engaged in her school, church, community, 4-H, sports and especially music. During the early 1970’s she was part of the Strasbourg area ‘Young Canadians’ singing group that was widely recognized. She was much loved by her brothers and sister, doing the things that kids enjoy growing up in a small town. She loved spending time at the lake and playing with her friends.
Brenda graduated from Business College before she married Allan Brigden of Kisbey, SK in 1978. Brenda and Al settled into farm life and their union was blessed with 3 fine boys; Drew, Devon, Preston and Al’s son Todd. “The Boys”, as she so often called them, were Brenda’s object of greatest pride and affection. She saw to it that they had everything they needed to make their way in the world. She was always there to help when help was needed, stand firm when required, and above all love them as only a Mother can.
In her spare time Brenda took great pride in her yard. A labour of love, she enjoyed landscaping, flowers, and grass a-plenty. She loved to mow the grass. She truly enjoyed her time sitting quietly in the sunroom with the birds singing and the beauty of summer sunsets.
Brenda became involved in the Kisbey community from the start. Church, Rec Centre, Fowl Suppers, and all manner of activities that make a rural community a great place to live. She was a hard working farm wife and mother – doing a ton of wash, cooking endless meals, and caring for an active family as they faced life’s challenges. Brenda was very close to her mother Mabel, and the two of them often worked together on various projects and tasks over the years. She was a dependable sister to her siblings, always willing to help when she could. Brenda took great delight in her grandsons, with many cherished hours spent in her arms. She also enjoyed numerous visits to Texas, which included endless shopping with Susan and Eve. In recent years she was thrilled to be able to continue with her singing, joining with a local group of women that were known as The Kindred Spirits.
Brenda and Al were fortunate that they were able to make a number of overseas trips, including Africa, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Central America, Europe, and others. It turned out that Brenda turned ‘Al the Farmer’ into quite the tourist. Great friendships were formed on each of these trips, and plans always made for the next trip.
Brenda is predeceased by her beloved mother Mabel (2011), and brother Ron (1991). She is survived by husband Allan; sons, Drew, Devon, Preston (Taure); grandsons, Jhett and Kruz, all of Kisbey area, and Todd (Tanya) of Calgary; father Allan of Regina; sister Wanda of Edmonton; brother Dean (Susan) of Tiki Island, TX; sisters-in-law, Lois (Neil) of Calgary and Linda (Eldon) of Edmonton; brother-in-law Ross (Joan) of Medicine Hat, and many other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Pasqua Hospital Ward 3B, and especially the Arcola Health Centre where she was treated with such kindness and personal care that we are forever in their debt. Especially Dr. Chal Chal, Dr. McLeod and Dr. Morin.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arcola Health Centre in Brenda’s memory would be appreciated.
Following a private family burial at the Arcola Cemetery, a service to commemorate Brenda’s outstanding life, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2011 in the Kisbey Recreation Centre with Rev. Greg Grace officiating.
Click here to send private condolences.