Obituary of Brenda Robson

Robson Brenda Sydal Welch (nee Basketter) July 7, 1927 - April 9, 2015 Devoted wife and best friend to John David, proud mother of Philip (Victoria Prince), Rev. Canon Dr. David Robson (Lynn), Mark (Sandra Winkler). Also missed with great affection by Kim Robson. Much loved grandmother to Jonathan (Jessica Hall-Cummings), Emma, Thomas; John; Nicholas and Lisa. Brenda was born and raised near Manchester, England, where she first met John. In 1949, Brenda came to Canada on her own so she and John could marry. She dedicated her life to raising her boys in a home of love and understanding - an undertaking in which she enjoyed great success. John and Brenda joined St. Peter's Anglican Church on Brimley Road in Scarborough and made many lifelong friends. Brenda is remembered for singing her favourite hymns with joy and gusto. She was dedicated to the community at St Peter's and was actively involved in Altar Guild, washing the fine linens for years. Some will be surprised to learn she occasionally could be found riding the tractor to mow the church lawns. When the family moved to Markham, Brenda enjoyed the community at Grace Church as a parishioner. She and John happily formed the first husband and wife greeter team. Brenda also was a regular and happy volunteer at Mark's schools. Brenda was delighted to become a grandmother and her nickname, Ro, came from the hours spent with Jonathan, singing "Row row row your boat." Brenda was, in short, the love, the inspiration and the ceaseless helpmate to her family and all others she held dear. The family extends special and heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers and good people at Union Villa. It gave great comfort to our family to see our Brenda live with such grace and dignity through to her final days. This lifted all our spirits, especially John's. No words can fully express how much those myriad of simple words and actions meant. Cremation has already taken place. Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Brenda's life, and reflect on the happiness she spread in the world around her, at Grace Anglican Church, 19 Parkway Avenue, Markham, Ontario on Thursday April 23, 2015 at 11:30 am. Arrangements entrusted to Dixon - Garland Funeral Home in Markham - 905-294-2030. Donations in Brenda's memory may be given to the Alzheimer's Society of York Region, or the charity of your choice. Our loving matriarch has left us, but her laughter and joy remain with us.