BRENDA YVONNE EYRE

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BRENDA YVONNE EYRE With sadness we announce the passing of Brenda Yvonne Eyre on October 7, 2009. Brenda leaves her husband Ivan; sons Tyrone and Keven; daughters-in-law Joanne and Christine; brother Brant; sister-in-law June; and grandchildren Gavan and Vivian. Brenda was born in St. Boniface Hospital, and grew up in the North End, becoming known as that glamorous little blonde on her street. She remembered happy summer days at Grand Beach and playing on porches and lawns with the close friends of childhood. She relished riding her bicycle to all corners of the neighbourhood and beyond. She became adept at making her own clothes and it was her early intent to become a fashion designer. Hers was always an exquisite sense of style. After graduation from St. John High School, Brenda spent a year at United College before attending the University of Manitoba School of Art, becoming skilled in drawing, and from which she received her B.F.A. It was in Art School that Brenda met and fell in love with Ivan, her husband of over 50 years. During these years Brenda worked at many different jobs, including city playground supervisor, real estate sales, interior design, children's librarian and summer work at Swifts and in Banff, Alberta. She also volunteered in King George Hospital during the polio epidemic, giving comfort to families who had experienced a loss. Brenda was very proud of giving birth to her sons and of helping them to gain musical knowledge through the study of the violin and cello. When the family moved to St. Norbert, she co-designed the home and undertook the subcontracting work for its construction. Brenda was deeply creative and had an astute critical sense. In addition to her own drawing, painting and poetry, she was involved in many other areas of the arts. Early on, she published visual art reviews. Later, she owned and operated the Graphite Gallery on Pembina Highway. She studied singing and film-making, and acted with the Tara Players. In the 1980s, Brenda hosted a theatrical interview programme on local public television. For many years, she managed Ivan's own professional art career. She was a source of confidence and inspiration for him: her contribution was greater than perhaps she ever realized. Brenda loved travel, and had a strong feeling for the possibilities available in contemplating cultures other than her own. Over the years, either with her family or on her own, she visited England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Holland, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece, Finland, Russia, China, Hawaii, California and the U.S. west, midwest and southwest, and much of Canada. She studied French in Quebec. She lived for times in England, North Dakota, Massachusetts and New York City. Brenda's taste in literature was wide-ranging, and reflected a belief that there is much more to the world than meets the eye. Her bookshelf is a mine of both the classic and the esoteric. She had a long-time enjoyment of television science fiction programmes. Brenda loved life, loved walking, swimming and biking. She loved the sun, loved plants, animals (especially her little dogs) and people. In turn she was loved, for her humour, her joyous laughter, her beauty, her clarity and her non-conformant intelligence. Her departure diminishes our world. We would like to thank all the staff at the Sharon Home for their wonderful care and comfort. Special thanks to Norma, Brenda's companion and friend in difficult times. Thanks to companions Suzie and Evelyn. Grateful thanks also to nurses Brenda, Trifona, Jane, Dawn, Carol and Betty. Thanks also to dear friends Tom and Bette, Daria, and Mary, for their love. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11 at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 9Z9 or to a charity of your choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2009