BRENDA LOUISE HOWAT

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BRENDA LOUISE HOWAT July 9, 1944 - April 4, 2003 Brenda Howat went to her eternal home with Gods spirit within her, the prayers and love of many sustaining her, and good friends at her side throughout her illness. Brenda was born in Winnipeg on July 9, 1944. She was raised in Winnipeg by her parents, Douglas Carrick Howat and Emily Eileen (Baker) Howat. She graduated from United College in 1964 with a B.A. and from the University of Winnipeg in 1971 with a B.A. Honours in Psychology. She received her M. Ed. in 1990 from the University of Manitoba. From 1965 to 1996, she worked in schools in the Winnipeg, St. James Assiniboia, River East and Fort Garry School Divisions with the Child Guidance Clinic. She retired in June 1999, from Student Support Services in Fort Garry. In retirement, she was back in classrooms in the Seven Oaks School Division part-time with the Child Guidance Clinic. Brenda spent many years working with children with emotional behavior disorders. She worked with children, parents, teachers and all school staff to help each child develop to his/her potential. Brenda brought humour, wisdom, competency, skill and compassion to her work. She encouraged, supported and inspired many. Brenda was a member of Young United Church where she chaired the Board, the Finance Committee and many other committees. She was on the Board of Directors of Crossways in Common. Brenda was a past chair of the West Broadway Community Ministry and was a pastoral care volunteer at the drop-in centre. Brenda was a member of Winnipeg Presbytery of the United Church of Canada and served as Chair and as a member of many committees. She was a Commissioner to two General Councils in Fergus, ON and Camrose, AB. Brendas life was lived for others. She generously gave of her time, talent and resources for many church and community causes. Brenda worked for a just and caring society and found ways to help many people on their life journeys. Brendas many interests included choral and Baroque music, live theatre, reading (especially mysteries) and baseball. Brenda leaves to remember her with love, her mother Emily; her sister Cheryl; her brother Doug; her three nieces, Caralee (Darcy), Christa and Michelle, all of Calgary, AB; her uncle Bob Hiley of Vancouver; and several cousins. She will also be remembered by a wide circle of friends and colleagues, among whom are Gisela-Maria Lavastida, Wilder Rodriguez and baby Wilder Daniel, Marjorie Dunderdale and Eleanor Geib. A Service of Thanksgiving for Brendas life will be held at Young United Church, corner of Broadway and Furby, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Several friends will participate in the service: Bill Millar, Bob Gilbert, Glen Horst, Teresa Moysey, and Janet Walker. Memorial donations may be made to Young United Church and the West Broadway Community Ministry, both located at 222 Furby St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2A7. Many people have supported Brenda and Eleanor these past months. Our thanks go to all of you. We would like to make special mention of the staff on 7A and 8 at St. Boniface Hospital, Wecare Companions, and the friends who spent hours at the hospital with Brenda. Rides, meals, flowers, gifts, cards, phone calls, visits, and prayers were all greatly appreciated. Our thanks to friends at Young, Knox and Westworth United Churches; the staff of the Child Guidance Clinic (especially in the Seven Oaks School Division) and to the staff in Student Support Services in Fort Garry. Our grateful appreciation goes to Marion and Allan McKay, whose friendship and kindness journeyed with us every step of the way. May a portion of Brendas integrity, humour, wisdom and love live on in all those whose lives she touched. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2003