(nee Barker),
born 8 March 1925, Watford, England, the 6th child of Donald William Elsom Barker and Ethel Roalfe Barker. Former wife of the late John S. Davies. Died at home in Victoria 27 June 2010.
Brenda left home for a Canadian adventure in 1948 and made a life in Medicine Hat, Victoria and on Salt Spring Island. She engaged in an extensive career of community involvement including years with the Need Crisis line, hospice work, the Anglican Church and Guiding. She loved children, travel, nature, reading, brisk walks, good conversation, dogs, gardening, Wimbledon, knitting, cribbage and crossword puzzles. Her determined personality, endless energy, impressive organizational skills, dry sense of humour, and capacity for love and acceptance are legendary.
Brenda leaves as her most lively legacy her beloved family – 8 children, 6 daughters & sons-in-law, and 16 grandchildren. Ian, Gwyneth, Doreen, Megan, Kevin, Alan, Elaine and Michael will never forget their mother and have been honoured to support her wish to remain at home during years limited by Parkinson’s disease but lived by Brenda with joy and enthusiasm. Our mother has been respectfully and lovingly cared for by many caregivers, most particularly Jennifer, Heather, Diana, Sonia, Linda, Marla, Millen and Taylor. Special thanks to Dr. Ted Rosenberg and nurses Vicki and Ann. She will also be greatly missed by friends and relations from England and Canada – including brother Dr. Derek C. Barker and lifelong friend Yvonne Goggins. Brenda’s family sincerely thanks all who graciously supported our mother in the last years of her life.
In lieu of flowers, Brenda requested donations to the Victoria Parkinsons Centre Society, 813 Darwin Ave, Victoria, BC, V8X 2X7 (www.vepc.bc.ca).
A MEMORIAL SERVICE with a coffee to follow will take place Wednesday 7 July at 1:30 pm
at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street, Victoria
A GATHERING for all in Brenda’s memory will be held on
Thursday 8 July at 1:00 pm at the Beaver Point Hall, Salt Spring Island
for family and friends.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.