Brenda passed on last night around 8 or 9plus. She was only 48.
I am saddened but a part of me also feels relieved for her for she has suffered physical pain and debilitating discomfort since a few months back. Her last weeks were even more intense.
I looked up to her quite abit. Probably because she was many things that I was not.
I always wondered why and how she had this insane buzz about her, a constant energy ball full of passion and zest for life and people and things she loves. An unstoppable indomitable spirit, really. Her cheerfulness, positivity, niceness, authenticity, genuineness and sincerity touched the lives of many many people. Oh and that infectious laughter and gorgeous smile of hers probably touched the hearts of all who have met her as well.
Her FB page (and her husband's) last night was flooded with hundreds of tributes and messages of support from many people from all walks of life and from various countries. Tributes are still coming in. Even students she taught some 20 years ago have left their messages. Just goes to show how great a person she was, even from when she was much younger. All their testimonies and tributes say the same thing. They touch on her megawatt smiles and infectious laughter, her bubbliness, her faith, her optimism and strength, her creativity and talents.
I remember all the way till I was in my late 20s or early 30s, I would be the one staying at home during CNY at my parents' place. It was because I was the assigned person to be at home with my Granny, to help with entertaining guests when they came over to visit my Granny. Every time Brenda swung by, the house would be filled with her laughter and giggles and happy jokes and sharing of life in general. A great storyteller she was, for she even made mundane bits sound rather interesting. ;)
She was a great cook. Sticking to traditions but also very willing to explore new ways and styles of cooking. She had plenty of cooking "toys" and gadgets. Her 3 kids were fed very well.
She was very creative. I wondered how she found the space to keep her crafts, especially her crocheting paraphernalia. Her creativity didn't stop at cooking and craftwork. She created fashion accessories. Tons of hairclips for her daughter when she was younger. Many badges and brooches. And scarves and beanies and berets and hats. Little bags and pouches. Even socks and mittens when they travelled to cold countries. And, she found work as a visual scriber.
Oh, and she was lover of K-stuff haha. K-dramas and food.
She was very smart. Not book smart for I know she was not interested in her studies when she was younger. Her grandma used to lament to my grandma. They were very close sisters :) But she was smart in the ways of the world. People who have worked with her in church, in her scribing & facilitating work, etc would probably all attest to this.
She was eloquent and good with her words as well. Expressive but still respectful. She shared her opinions on various issues, even politics, on public platforms, but did it in a respectful way. Agree to disagree.
She was staunch and steadfast in her religion, and as a servant of God she taught the ways of the Lord at church ministries when she was younger. She still did when she was older, just that perhaps parenting also took up more of her time and she couldn't do as much as she would have liked. She was grounded too. And very committed to her family and kids. I often wondered how she could pack in so many things in the 24 hours of a day.
Brenda was a truly amazing lady.
Rest in peace Brenda.
I hope you've met up with Uncle Benny, Uncle Bobby, Ipoh, Mama, Baba Ku, and Granduncle John (Tuanku) already. You're the youngest of the lot up there. I think they'll look forward to whatever Peranakan dishes and desserts you can whip up for them. ;p
