DESPITE her disability, Brenda Boisson lived life to the fullest, grabbing every opportunity that came her way, and often had the initiative to be pro-active and influence opportunities herself.
Brenda was born on June 28, in 1950 in Durban.
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At the time of her birth (and for many years afterwards) Brenda’s parents, Ailsa and Stanley Boisson, were not aware or told by doctors that Brenda had Down Syndrome.
She was not kept in the background, but grew up in Hillary as an important part of her family, went everywhere with them and was included in everything, which stimulated and benefited her. In hindsight, her parents were years ahead of their time as this was during a less enlightened era.
She attended a local nursery school and primary school, and later joined the Special Class when she could not keep up with the other children.
As a teenager she boarded for four years at a convent school for children with learning difficulties.
For 12 years, after finishing her schooling, she was fortunate to be a helper at a small school in Northdene, until the nuns were re-deployed by their Mother House and the school was forced to close.
For many years, Brenda helped at other crèches and worked in sheltered employment.
Living life to the fullest
Life expanded for Brenda with the formation of the Down Syndrome Association in Durban in 1976. She was invited, as a person with Down Syndrome, to speak on many occasions at schools and organisations in and around Durban, at Edgewood Teachers’ Training College, to nurses in training, at Down Syndrome AGMs and conferences in both Johannesburg and Durban.
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The determined and strong-willed Brenda has achieved so much in her life as in 1992 the Durban Y-club opened its doors to the mentally challenged.
Brenda joined their gymnastics programme, travelling into Durban alone by bus and, in 1995, qualified for the Special Olympic World Games in Newhaven, Connecticut, USA.
In 1999 Brenda attended an International Down Syndrome Conference in Jerusalem where she participated in and spoke at workshops. (As an example of her initiative and determination, attending this conference was dependent on funds being raised.
When her mother died in 2002, Brenda decided that, in case she outlived her sisters, she should find somewhere to live (again her initiative).
Brenda was already a member of the Careways Workshop in Kloof, so when Careways House, Richmond, KZN opened in 2005 she moved into the small residence which she eventually shared with nine other intellectually-challenged folk.
At the end of 2010, Brenda decided that she would like to return home and she rejoined the Careways workshop in Kloof, from which she eventually retired in mid-2018.
Her sister, Melanie Smith described Brenda as a pioneer and inspiration for Down Syndrome folk to achieve their full potential.
Always up for a challenge, Brenda was an accomplished pianist and a great knitter, many teapots are kept warm by her famous tea cosies.
She took part in America at the special Olympics, spoke at conferences locally and abroad as an ambassador for Downs Syndrome. Brenda loved swimming, playing tennis and was famous for keeping in touch with everyone on her most favourite instrument, the telephone.
“My sister was very organised and typed copious pages on all sorts of topics, the most famous of which is her funeral service prepared in the 1990s. This includes the venue, the Bible readings, a list of charities she would like to receive donations in her memory and 11 of her favourite hymns.
The former Careways member had an amazing sense of humour and often kept family and friends entertained. She once asked if she could have her funeral before she died so she could hear what people had to say!
Smith thanked family and friends for the love and friendship given to Brenda over the years.
“A life lived to the full, breaking down most obstacles in her path. She will be sorely missed by her sisters, Felicity Christison, Jennifer Dulieu in the UK, Melanie Smith and their families and her friends who were always so supportive of everything she did,” added Melanie.
Careways manager, Tina Smith said Brenda was so loved everyone at Careways.
“She always had a smile on her face for anyone who came through our doors, especially to our members. She was kind and gentle and has achieved so much in her life. Rest in peace Brenda. We love you,”
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