LARSON, Brenda Joyce

June 1, 1954 — April 14, 2023

Brenda Larson passed away peacefully after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer, in Kelowna, BC. Her loving son and family were by her side as she joined her husband of 41 years, Larry, in Heaven. She is survived by her mother Joyce; son Matt (Jessica); grandchildren Liam and Madison; brother Kevin (Rita); sisters Faye (Rick) and Diane; and many other nieces and nephews. Brenda was predeceased by her husband Larry; father Harold; and sisters Karen and Holly.

Brenda was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, the eldest daughter of 6 children. She attended Coronation Park Elementary and Middle School and proceeded on to Thom Collegiate High School until grade 10. She met and maintained many lifelong friendships in Regina, even though the family then moved to Kelowna in 1969. There, she attended Rutland Senior Secondary and graduated. Brenda’s parents built and owned the Spanish Inn Motel on Highway 97 where the current Holiday Inn Express is located. This is where her work ethic began as she was involved in the many office duties. She was a natural when it came to the office end of things. Having a healthy background in administration, Brenda moved on from the family business to begin a career at Design Center as an office administrator. She later took a position at Canadian Pacific Express for approximately 18 years, where she worked with her sister Diane. After taking time to stay home and raise her son, Brenda started with the City of Kelowna in 1999. She maintained many various positions with the city, including being an attendant at Memorial Arena, the RCMP as a Statement Transcriber, and administration duties in other municipal departments. Her last position was as an Operations Clerk at the City of Kelowna Landfill, where she will be deeply missed. Throughout her time with the city, Brenda maintained many friendships and will be remembered for her hard work-ethic, sharp mind and smile at the front desk.

Although work was always a major part of Brenda’s life, her family came first.  In 1980, Brenda met her soulmate Larry, and they married shortly after in 1981. They purchased their first home together and started a new chapter in their lives. Brenda’s love of children led her to be very involved with her friend’s children and nieces & nephews’ lives. She cherished being a second mother to their children and practising for her future family.  Brenda and Larry were gifted the greatest joy of their lives, son Matthew, in 1989. Brenda embraced the role of motherhood whole-heartedly, and became very involved with the raising of their son and all his countless sports and extracurricular activities. She volunteered in organizing many hockey tournaments and was an avid cheerleader. The family continued to expand with the arrival of grandchildren.  Brenda was overjoyed as her heart became complete! Her grandchildren were everything to her, once again she was very involved in their lives.

Brenda will be cherished in our hearts as a loving mother, gramma, sister, auntie, friend and neighbour. Rest in peace, free from pain, until we meet again, we will remain your family.

Special thanks to Dr. McCloskey, Dr. Venter, Dr. Dueck, the Kelowna Cancer Clinic, and the staff at Kelowna General Hospital for their care and compassion throughout her journey.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date.

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