Schoening Funeral Service Ltd. — Family Owned & Operated in Kamloops BC since 1888
September 9, 2010
Brenda May Farrell
Brenda Farrell (nee Webb), born November 27, 1933 – ended her life’s journey on July 26, 2010.
Survived by her loving husband Keith and her cousins June and Laurie and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews in Derby, England. She was predeceased by her father Harold in 1966 and her mother Hilda in 1999.
Brenda’s career in tap dancing started at the age of 2 ½ years in Derby, becoming in a short time, Junior English Champion in Tap. Her talent in dance led her to ballroom lessons which in turn led to many awards. The most prestigious being “The Star Ballroom Championship” at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England in 1947 with her first partner Peter and again in 1949 with her partner Ken. In 1948 Brenda started her teaching career at the age of 15. In 1955 Brenda and Keith met and married in 1957 in Derby. Surrey, BC was the destination for Keith and Brenda when they immigrated to Canada in 1975. They moved to Paul Lake in 1977 where Brenda worked for the Canadian Forces Station for two years. Several moves ensued, including Bradley Creek, back to Paul Lake and on to Pinantan and finally Kamloops in 1998. Brenda returned to teaching tap for the Judy Hunter School of Dance and continued teaching for the “Dance Gallery”. Her choreography and strong technique, which she passed on to her students was very successful at both local and provincial level competition.
In 1999, she was diagnosed with breast cancer which she successfully fought and returned to her beloved tap with the senior ladies at the yacht club. Soon Brenda was teaching again voluntarily developing the group into today’s “Golden Tappers” all of whom loved her and her weekly lesson.
Brenda’s life is defined by Keith and her tap dancing.
Her legacy lives on in the young and old that she touched with her immense talent.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the RIH, Cancer Fund, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1 in memory of Brenda would be appreciated.
A Celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the
Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street.
Words cannot express the sorrow Chris and I are feeling right now Uncle Keith. Auntie B will be in our hearts forever and we offer our love and support to you in this time of need.
All of our love,
Chris and Janet
Dear Keith:
I am so very sorry to hear that Brenda has passed away. Those wonderful, amazing “happy feet” will never tap again. We were so lucky to have had her for so many years as our extra special teacher for the Golden Tappers.
It will leave a huge hole in your heart, in your home, in your life. I hope some hiking in the hills will help you eventually to fill the void, along with the many friends, family and support that you no doubt will need at this time.
Please, accept my condolences from this former Golden Tapper. A big personal hug from me, Keith.
Sigi White
Keith, our deepest, deepest condolences at this very sad time. Brenda will be sadly missed, but remembered in your music and our hearts forever. Please remember we are just a phone call away and we would love to help in any way we can.
Please get in touch very, very soon.
All our Love, Wayne, Karen, Chris, Abi, Rick and Devin xxxxxxxxx
I was so sorry to hear about Brenda passing. I was one of her students at Judy Hunter’s school of dance years ago. I have so many good memories of dance class with Mrs. Farrell. I still tap dance to this day although its only in my kitchen now. I know she was loved by all her students. She will be missed.
My condolences to Keith and her family.
Melissa
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Farrell’s passing. My fondest memories of dance are in her tap class.
My condolences to her family.
Bonnie
We are so sorry to hear that Brenda has passed away. Although we live thousands of miles away, Keith, we are thinking of you at this sad time and hope that you are doing ok. We know that not only will Brenda be much missed in Canada but also here by all her family and friends.
Sending you all our love, thoughts and best wishes
Steve, Heather, Thomas and Chloe
I am so saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. I always loved attending “watching day” for my daughter’s tap class; it gave me a chance to see Brenda’s wonderful skills as a teacher and also to catch of glimpse of her own expert tapping moves. I can just hear her telling the girls that they looked “scruffy” in her lovely Derby accent. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with you at this time, Keith.
Wendy Lichlyter
You are in our thoughts at this time Keith. Carole and Graham Warden and Shirley Nault
Keith. Julie and I were deeply saddened to hear that Brenda had passed away. She was much loved by us both, and we will miss her very much. Although we are far apart, our thoughts and hearts are with you at this difficult time. There are many people who love you Keith, and we need you to be strong and to look after yourself, and you know that’s what Brenda would want. Take care.
Lots of love from Paul and Julie x
Keith,
We are all very sad to hear of Auntie Brenda’s passing. She was an amazing lady that inspired many people, on both side of the Atlantic. She will be missed by everyone.
Our hearts are with you in this time of great sadness. Stay strong Keith, we are all here for you.
Our deepest condolences
All our love
Andrew, Danielle, Evie and Danielle X
In loving memory of a lovely cousin, Brenda May Farrell. You’ll never be forgotten. God bless you always. June, Laurie and Lee.
July 31,2010 at6-00pm
In loving memory of a dear friend Brenda May Farrell, always you will be in our hearts and memories, We know you will be greatly missed, in England as well as Canada, God Bless you Keith.
All our love from Mae and Davidxx
Keith,
We were so sorry to hear that Brenda had passed away and are sending all our love to you at this very sad time. She was a truly lovely lady and will be sadly missed by all.
Love to you from Mandy, Steve and all the family xxxx
Keith,
Sending you our heartfelt condolences. We were very sorry to hear that you lost Brenda and hope that all your memories will sustain you and bring you comfort. Take care and know that you’re in our thoughts.
Phil and Lisa Webb and Family
Keith,
I have just returned to BC from a trip and heard the sad news of Brenda’s passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. (My parents’ as well.) We are so very sorry.
Lisa de Jardin
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for Brenda’s passing. She was an amazing and inspiring person and her spirit will be greatly missed. Mrs. Farrell was loved very much by all of her students and was my first true inspiration for tap dancing. She encouraged me to do my first tap solo at the age of six, and helped to shape me into the tap dancer I am today. I will always remember you and Brenda attending Festival year after year encouraging all of us tappers. I was always so happy to see her there. Brenda will be in my thoughts when I put on my tap shoes at the Vancouver Tap Festival next month. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I will always remember Mrs. Farrell.
Sincerely,
Deja Friesen