Tributes pour in for Brenda Smith

BRENDA Smith (42) from Mulbarton, died on September 8, after completing a parkrun at Rietvlei Zoo Farm.

From a loving family, Brenda leaves her loving family, mom and dad, Roy and Zelma, siblings, Colleen, Kelly and twin brother Patrick also from the South of Johannesburg. Sean, her other brother, died two years ago with cancer and left the family devastated. Now they go through another tragic loss with another beautiful soul leaving a void in their hearts.

In her earlier years, she attended Mondeor Primary and later Mondeor High School where she set the record time for long-distance running and also excelled in swimming.

She was very adventurous and began her travels abroad and made some great memories. Later Brenda got married to Barrett and had two beautiful boys, Brayden and Blayne. They were her pride and joy. Her competitiveness rubbed off on them and they too, were extremely active and also excelled in their sports, especially swimming and soccer. She took photos wherever she went and posted them on Facebook for the world to see.

“Brenda was our angel on earth, a beautiful, caring, kind and fun-loving soul. She loved life and cared for everyone, friends and family alike. She would put her all into everything she did, there were no half measures … all or nothing. She lived life to the fullest and her radiant excitement was contagious.

“Brenda was a special lady, an awesome daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Whoever she met along the way, she would make good friends and was very popular. She will be sorely missed,” said Colleen, her sister.

Brenda attended the Bridge Church in Randhart where her faith and belief was so strong.

“We have lost a beautiful soul and heaven has gained an angel … till we meet again, RIP Brenda,” added Colleen.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the following: “Shawn and Toni Mackrell from Rietvlei who welcomed Brenda and her huge personality with open arms to their Rietvlei family and made a huge difference to her life. Thank you for you and your staff’s support, especially Angel, and for donating the Butterfly Hall for the reception. Thank you too for donating T-shirts, platters and helping us with the placing of the memorial bench that the family donated at the finish of the parkrun. You guys have been so generous and so amazing.”

To Bonny’s Aquatic Club: “To dear Bonny, thank you to you and your amazing swimming club with moms, dads and swimmers that Brenda felt so close to, for your donations to the family, for the tree you planted at Rietvlei in memory of our precious Brends. Also, thank you for the gorgeous bouquets you donated for the service, and the packages and dinners you donated to her Barrett. Brenda had a special bond with each and every one of your swimming family.

“To all her friends who she loved, thank you for all your support, it means a lot and also to the friends who donated platters and for all your generosity.

“To Tash and Amber, thank you for the helium balloons with messages on them. The beautiful send off to Brends was so special.”

Pick n Pay Mulbarton: “Thank you to Bruno for your generous donation of platters, it is much appreciated.”

Mugg n Bean: “Thank you to Mike Maree for your generous donation of platters from Pick n Pay, it is much appreciated.”

Poly Print: “Thank you to Brad Benham for donating the banner to the parkrun and for the beautiful artwork for the T-shirts that were done timeously. It is much appreciated.”

National Paramedics: “To Kevin and his team. Thank you for arriving timeously to assist Brenda. You guys worked so hard.”

Parkrunners: “Thank you for your prayers and support when she needed it most and for helping Brenda after she collapsed.”

Colleen went on to say, “A big thank you from all our family for being so wonderful during this difficult time. Brenda, gone but not forgotten, forever in our hearts. We love you Brends … we’ll miss you forever.”

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