October 21, 1961 - February 5, 2022
Brenda was born to Eldon and Shirley Graff (nee Coen) of Ferintosh, Alberta on October 21, 1961, and grew up on the family farm. She went to school in Ferintosh, and graduated from New Norway High School. After graduation she went to school in Edmonton where she lived with her beloved Great Auntie Beck, to receive her R.N.A certificate as a registered nurse. She worked as a nurse in Camrose, where she eventually met Derek Truss and treated him before they fell in love, and they were eventually married April 25, 1987. Their union was blessed with two children, Ami and Nathan; she stayed home for 10 years to raise the kids, as well as tirelessly advocated for their health and well being in navigating the school system with deaf children.
In 2000, she returned to work, as well as upgrading her education to become a dental assistant, and eventually a flight attendant for WestJet for seven years before she retired, after which she worked close to home at the local grocery store.
Brenda had many hobbies. She was a powerhouse in the kitchen during holidays, birthdays, and every day in between; known for such classics as her chocolate chip cookie, buttermilk chocolate cupcakes with almond icing, and 'death by chocolate' - a family favourite. She also loved to garden; the backyard was always a riot of colour come spring and summer, and she vowed to protect her tomato plants at all costs. Brenda was also a voracious reader, and almost always had a book on the go no matter where she was.
Brenda was known for her generosity in helping others; no matter who or what the occasion, she was always there in a heartbeat to help do whatever needed to be done. Family was her true pride and the joy she took of her friends was immeasurable, as was evident in her becoming the life of almost any party. She loved to travel, and had many, many adventures with Derek as well as with numerous friends and family in a variety of countries.
Brenda will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband of 34 years, Derek; and her two children Ami and Nathan; also by her brother and sister, Brian (Kate) and Irene (Bob); brothers-in-law, Scott, Rick (Marg), Brad, and Kevin; as well as a great many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.
Brenda was predeceased by her parents Eldon and Shirley; her sister, Shauna Mae; and her parents-in-law, Larry and Mazie.
A funeral service was held on Monday, February 14, 2022 at Baker Funeral Chapel, Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Donations in Brenda's memory are gratefully accepted to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Baker Funeral Chapel, Wetaskiwin, Alberta 780-352-2501 or 88-752-2501
Condolences and livestream: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
Baker Funeral Chapel