It is with great sadness that the family announce that Brenda passed away peacefully on Christmas morning with her loving husband Adam by her side. She is survived by Adam and their 2 children, Brielle and Aleksander, her parents, Teona and Doug, sisters Janet, Linda and Cheryl and grandparents Ken and Arthurine Dampier and Roberta Bisson. She also had many aunts, uncles, nephews and inlaws who loved her and will miss her very much.
Brenda was born in Innisfail, Alberta on February 18,1982. Always smiling and happy, she was curious and wanted to touch and experience all that she could. She was moved around to Shawnigan Lake, Saanichton, Red Deer and Victoria with her family. She attended Marigold elementary school, Colquitz middle school and Spectrum high school. Adam became her high school sweetheart and she learned to express herself through Band, Drama, Choir and Musical theatre. She was a fierce, hard nosed soccer player with the Gorge and was part of the Colquitz girl’s soccer team when they won their first Island Championship.
She took on part time jobs, including paper carrier and pharmacy clerk and eventually becoming a pharmacy technician. After saving her money, she ventured off to Europe with a friend. Brenda was never shy about trying new things and going to new places. Brenda and Adam moved to Edmonton briefly to broaden their horizons. They returned to Victoria and were married in the back yard of her parents’ home with friends and family on July 4, 2003, with a Hawaiian theme. Brenda was radiant (looking a little like Bo Derrick).
Brielle was born the next June and the young family was settled in Victoria. 3 years later, Brenda was pregnant with Aleksander. Before he was born, she had a lump surgically removed from her back. On Boxing Day 2006, she was told that the biopsy of the lump showed cancer. As a child, it was discovered that she had neurofibromisitosis. She had lumps removed from her back periodically since she was 11 years old but all had been benign. After Alek was born, she had months of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments to combat the Sarcoma Cancer.
Brenda was always positive and battled the cancer with the hope of seeing her young family grow. For the next 3 years, she seemed to have tamed the disease. She lived life with gusto and flair and proudly signed up to play soccer again with the “Gorge Force”. Her family life and her health seemed to be going the way that she wanted.
8 months ago, Brenda was suddenly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She spent months in Vancouver receiving blood transfusions, more chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant from her sister Linda’s donation. We all loved Brenda and always believed that she would again survive. She was a strong woman and a battler and if anyone could beat cancer back again, it was Brenda.
2 days before Christmas, Brenda was admitted to hospital. On Christmas Eve, the family was summoned to the hospital as her condition continued to deteriorate. She passed away peacefully Christmas morning. Brenda must have been a special person for God to take her on Christmas Day.
A private family service will be held now, with a “Celebration of Life” to be held in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brenda’s young family. You can make out cheques to “Brenda Derkacz” and send to 583 Aquarius Road, Victoria, BC, V9C 4G5. Donations may also be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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brielle derkacz brendas first child
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Linda and Bob Felker and family Sorry to read about Brenda passing. Facebook lrfelker@hotmail.com
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Sarah Morrison Hi there, I went to school with Brenda. My hearts aches to hear the news of her passing away. My thoughts and prayer are with you at all times. Feel free to contact me at anytime.
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Norn & Kaye Nicol Our heart felt condolences to all family members on Brenda’s passing.
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Sarah Trueman Wright I work with Brenda’s loving sister Linda, and unfortunately, I was only blessed to have met Brenda a couple of times. Over the past year or so, Linda has shared many wonderful stories and memories with me of Brenda. She sounds like an amazing and strong person and I wish I could have gotten to know her. Having gone through this with my own family, I understand how difficult it has been for you all and I would just like to offer my deepest and sincere condolences to you all.
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Jessika Rowley When we met in high school, I knew that Brenda was a very special person. After high school, we each went down our own paths but reconnected a few years ago. Despite her own battles, she was a continuous source of support when our little girl had cancer. It was so special to see her this past summer and have a chance to catch up in person after so many years. Her strength and positive attitude are matched by so few people; it is amazing how brightly her light shone even when we were teenagers. I am sure there is not a person on earth who could have a negative thing to say about her.
Brenda, you were a warm, positive, thoughtful, courageous and inspiring woman. Words would never be enough to capture the essence of your incredible spirit. May you rest in peace, always with AJ, Brielle, Alek and those you love. God bless and deepest condolences to your family.
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Charlind Dary To the Bisson Family
Brenda was an amazing person. She was so sweet, kind, loving, and gentle. She also had a wonderful funny side. It was a pleasure to know her growing up with Cheryl and through soccer.
She was apart of an inspirational family. I have always admired the strength that the Bisson family held. You are all so supportive, loving, and caring. I am happy that you have each other during this tough time.
My thoughts are with you
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Nicholas Obedkoff What a wonderful person. I am glad to have spent time with Brenda this summer / fall and over the years. Her friendly, positive and determined spirit was and will always be greatly admired. Her unique upbeat perspective was truly remarkable. My sincere condolences go out to her family. Brenda’s beautiful smile will be with me, as well as everyone she knew forever.
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Rhoda-Marie Waddington I chose to send a private condolence to the family through this mode. I only knew Brenda through my friendship with Arthurine, who I hold in high esteem for her love of God and her love of her
fellow human beings. Being a granddaughter of Arthurine, it is obvious why Brenda is spoken so highly of by all who have met and loved her.
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Danica Lacusta Granddaughter of John and Elaine.
I am sorry for you and your families loss, I only met Brenda once, but she was such a nice, caring person and I’m glad I was given the the chance to spend that time with her. I hope you and your family have found strength and love in this very difficult time.
Love always, Danica.
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Aunt Pat, Uncle Stan Saxton and family Brenda was a very special person to us. Strong, brave and very upbeat. She never gave up with her long battle with cancer and she never gave up loving the people around her. We know that she is now in a better place, with no pain. We look forward to seeing her again in the future. May God Bless her and give her the rest that she deserves.
Uncle Stan and Family
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Matt Bender It’s with great sadness to hear of the loss of Brenda. I hope you may find peace and strength at this time. You have my deepest sympathies.
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Sarah Lanaway With heavy hearts we are very sad to hear of Brenda’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to all our family. I will always remember Brenda’s positive attitude towards life, her beautiful smile, and her wonderful hugs! We saw her this October and as she told us about what she was going through she never had one thing to complain about and to me she is a true hero!!! I love you Brenda and will miss you.
Love Sarah, Shaun, Nevaeh, Emmit.
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Cary and Sherry We are so sorry for the loss of a very special niece. Words cannot express our sorrow. Brenda always displayed a positive cheerful attitude. We are fortunate to have spent time with her in October. Brenda will be missed and will be forever in our hearts.
Love you always
Uncle Cary and Auntie Sherry
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Lori Fortune I am so sad to hear of Brendas passing I was crossing my fingers and praying that she would come out on top again. I went to school with both her and Adam and they made a truly beautiful couple and had two fantastic kids. Brielle is in my daughters class and I will enjoy watching her kids grow up, she was such a wonderful mother to them.
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Sylvia and David Jewitt Arthurine, Ken and family.
We are so sorry to hear about Brenda, our love and thoughts are with you all.
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Lynda McKinney I was in shock to hear of Brenda passing…the last time I saw her was in the clinic before I left for a month in Kauai Dec 7th we hugged and cried together…we shared alot in the past few years through her challenge with cancer. She and I shared a birthday in common but we also shared the love of family which came into every session I had with her. Her tears were always of the family she held so close to her heart and the internal knowing she wouldn’t be here long enough to see her children grow. I will miss her deeply. She is an inspiration to be the best I can be, I thank her family for the goodness you are and how much she loved ALL of you. Blessings Lynda McKinney & Staff @ Vital Victoria Naturopathic Clinic.
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Ben and Heather (Martin) Hephner and families So very sorry for your loss …Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families in this time of great sorrow.. May the lord watch over you and keep you strong.
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Al Thibeault I am so very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I worked with her in the pharmacy at Shopper’s Esquimalt from 2003 to about 2007 (when she wasn’t having children). She was always a joy to be around. She had a calming influence, great sense of humour, and a maturity well beyond her years. When my new boss asked if I knew of any good pharmacy technicians, I advised he contact Brenda, letting him know she was the best I had ever worked with–and I’ve worked with many.
To Adam and children, Mom, Dad, and sisters, my heart is with you.
Her friend, Al Thibeault
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Cheryl Hardy I am absolutely stunned to learn of Brenda’s passing. I last saw her a couple days before school let out for Christmas break, to pick up Brielle, who is in the same class as my daughter Debbie. She had told me last year about her illness, that she was sure it would shorten her life, but that she would fight for as long as she could. When I saw her just a few weeks ago, she was happy, smiling, and seemed so full of life and vest. Please accept heartfelt condolences and sympathies from myself, my husband Chris and our daughter Debbie. Much love, hugs and comfort.
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keith fraser My most sincere condolences to the Bisson family. I had the pleasure of teaching all four girls at Spectrum Community School and the neighbouring feeder schools. Each girl is unique- Brenda was a lovely person and a pleasure to have in my classroom. My heart is heavy today after learning this very sad news. May God be with you all at this most difficult time.
Keith Fraser
Spectrum Community School Staff
Retired
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Al Dampier My sincerest condolences to the family that lost a most precious gem. I never met this relation of mine in person. I only knew her her through stories, photos and a couple of emails during her illness. That’s my loss. Rest in peace, Brenda.
Cousin Al
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The Gerows We are so sorry for your loss of this wonderful daughter, wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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jenny forsen Brenda, gave Us all so many wonderful gifts of Love…Tho we maybe apart Brenda will forever be in Our Hearts..
No words can ever express Our Sorrow.Love you always and forever Uncle Bob and Aunty Jenny
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Sandie Hill Arthurine and Ken and family.
Our deepest sympathies on this sad occasion. How hard it must be for you to lose someone in the prime of life. We know that your wonderful family around will help support all of you and especially her children at this time.
Sandie and Rob Hill, Calliope, Qld, Australia
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Lorenzo Sforza Heart felt simpathy and condolences, at this time for your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, God bless.
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Nick Bender From my family to yours, please accept our sincere condolences. Brenda was a great soccer player and I am blessed I had the opportunity to know her.
Rest In Peace
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Heather Hadden & baby Lucas My deepest sympathies on Brenda’s passing. I went to Colquitz and Spectrum with Brenda and will always remember a smiling, upbeat girl who got along with everyone regardless of their social standing at school 🙂 My family is thinking of you during what must be a heartbreaking time and wishing you all tremendous strength.
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Gina Dampier When the girls were small I would babysit them and I had so much fun. Brenda was our little dancer who loved twirling and whirling around the house. She loved to wear her mom’s shoes and dress up. Teona and Doug are wonderful parents and it showed through Brenda. Brenda grew up to be a kind, generous, and loving girl who never complained about what she was going through. It is a comfort to know that Brenda is now free of her pain. We will all miss our Brenda very much. All my love, Aunty Gina
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Chris Bayley Teona & family,
On behalf of the entire circulation department at the Times Colonist,
our condolences at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Chris Bayley
Times Colonist
Circulation Department
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Bob & Julie Bisson A life taken – – – but not her smile.
Brenda always gave a smile to everyone she meet, no matter what the situation.
Her gift to us all!
Loved & missed
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Alan Sacks I was privileged to have been able to meet Brenda during the last months of her battle. I was touched by her strength, resilience and gentleness. On behalf of the BC Hospitality Foundation Board of Directors I extend heartfelt condolences to all Brenda’s family and especially to Adam, Brielle and Aleks.
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zita macallum Just want to say that the obituary was done beautifully thanks to Brenda’s Dad…very thoughtful. Brenda will always be our little Christmas angel and will make this day even more precious in her memory…Thanks to her Gina for thinking of this as it is helping in the healing process…much love…Zita
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Nicole and Chris Lamb We offer our deepest sympathy from far away in the UK to all your family at this very sad time. Although we never met Brenda, her story of courage and determination is inspiring and we hope her young family can take strength from all the loving memories of her.
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Caroline Dampier WITH GREAT SORROW…SWEET GIRL
YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER…XX
“……..A HUMAN LIFE IS A STORY TOLD BY ” GOD”….
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Sandy Barta Please accept my condolences–this has been such a difficult time for all of you. Take care.
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Kristina de Melo I would like to offer my condolences to Brenda’s entire family.
I met Brenda playing on the Gorge Force Soccer team. I will remember the chats we had while playing soccer. She had such strength and determination. Her children should be proud of such a strong person with a kind heart now taken away to be their guardian angel.
I will always remember Brenda. Rest in Peace
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Jason and Melissa Forsen It’s with sincere sympathy that we heard of Brenda’s passing. We offer love and healing thoughts to all of our family. We are thinking about you.
Love always,
Jason, Melissa and the boys
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Linda Bisson Brenda will be greatly missed, but her memories will live on forever in my heart.
Love Linda.
I miss my mom soo much you don’t even know.
I barely got to know her and it was on Christmas day that telly sucks.
Everytime I saw her she was smiling but the only time I saw her sad was when she was in the hospital.
My brother Aleksander only knew her for 3 years.
She was only 28 years old.
I moved away from my family and I miss them a lot.
After that I got a step mom she was soo mean to me. By:brielle d