THOMPSON, Brenda Mary (nee Whitfield)
December 9, 1937 – Calgary, Alberta
April 10, 2022 – Cochrane, Alberta
Brenda Mary Thompson passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2022 in Cochrane, AB.
Brenda was born on December 9, 1937, and was the first child of Henry and Barbara Whitfield. Brenda rode horseback to school every day, a journey of 2 ½ miles from the home dairy farm. Her competitive nature found her riding in the local gymkana races. Her parents were concerned about Brenda’s safety and told her she could not take her own horse but in Brenda’s mind, it did not mean she could not ride someone else’s horse. So, she did.
Her love of animals spanned her lifetime, from horses to giving a home to stray cats and dogs. It was a common site to see Brenda followed around on the farm by her pet goat, pig or rooster. Brenda finished her high school years at Mount Royal in Calgary in 1955 and then was employed by the Royal Bank in Cochrane and then Calgary.
She married Harvey Thompson on March 25, 1961. Together they had three children: Barbara was born in l961, Deanna in l962, and Scott in l965. Both Barbara and Deanna were diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis which marked the beginning of a thirty-year battle against a relentless adversary. During one of the many times that a seven-year-old Barbara was hospitalized, she found a baby named Troy, who also had CF but had no home. Barbara lobbied hard with her parents to embrace Troy into their family and her parents agreed and Troy became the fourth member of their family. Brenda devoted her life to the care of their children and was recognized as Mother of the Year by the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1972.
Over the years, the family moved several times, but Cochrane was always home for Brenda. Brenda had many life-long friends and added new ones every place they lived. The coffee pot was always on and friends and family were always welcome. In 2019, Brenda and Harvey moved to the Cochrane Bethany Care.
Brenda was predeceased by her parents, her children, Barbara, Deanna and Troy, and her infant brother John William. She is survived by Harvey, her loving husband of 61 years, and her devoted son Scott, brothers, Robert (Truda) and David (Trudy); and several nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care Brenda received at the Bethany and the loving support provided by her life-long friend Alice Jean King.
A private family graveside service will be held. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
In living memory of Brenda Thompson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.
