A new angel was awarded her wings on the afternoon of December 12th, as Brenda Brewer entered the warm embrace of heaven’s scenes. Brenda was born in Butte on June 1st of 1962 to Joseph Walsh and Linda Smith (Opie), and from that point forward began imparting her love, joy, and wonder on the world and everyone she encountered. At the age of four, her brother Rex came into her life, and at first she wanted to mark him “return to sender”, yet little did she know that he would eventually become her closest and best friend to the very end. Growing up, Brenda (affectionately known by everyone as “Brenda Boo” at the time) enjoyed spending as many of her childhood days in Butte with her Papa Dave and Grandma Marie Walsh and in Whitehall with Grandmother Peggy Taylor who was affectionately known to Brenda as “Honey”. Many suspect that that was purely for the fact that with them, she was already the angel that could do no wrong. Once while playing there around the age of 8, Brenda and her Aunt Melissa who was three months her elder, decided they were going to play “gas station” with her father Joe’s jeep and a garden hose. To ensure they had gotten a proper fill on the tank, they then used a twig as a dipstick which they also managed to lose down into the opening of the gas tank. That was Brenda though, even while at play as a child, displayed her imagination and thorough work ethic. She had a smile that would light up a room, and a laugh so infectious that it was able to pass through walls to transmit to those on the other side. At the age of 20 while working at Cummins Electric, she met her then to be husband and love of her life Reginald “Pat” Brewer. In 1983 they welcomed their first son Patrick into the world at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena. While Pat was working in the oil field as a driller in Glendive, MT their second son Jeffrey joined the family in the summer of 1984. In 1985 the Brewer Family relocated to the small town of Kukuihiale on the big island of Hawaii. During their 7-year stint on the big island Pat and Brenda spent most of their weekends exploring and recreating in Waipio Valley with their two children Patrick and Jeffrey. They returned to the Helena area in 1992, where her and Pat purchased the Main News & Smokeshop and built the home that she raised their children and lived in until her final days. Brenda loved to help, and better her community, as well as throw a party. Getting tired of being forced to endure a dangerous eye-sore of a hole between the Atlas and Placer buildings, she formed a committee to remedy the problem. After months of City of Helena meetings, hearings, and fund-raising Performance Square was built downtown on the walking mall. Brenda loved bluegrass music, and so she began the “Last Chance Bluegrass Festival” that featured not only local and nationally known musicians to perform, but even international artists like Italian bluegrass artist Bepe Gambetta. In 2003 Brenda and Pat opened up their first location of The Man Store in downtown Helena, and in 2006 their oldest son Patrick began working for them after his enlistment in the Marine Corps. When her son Jeffrey got out of the Army Reserves in 2008, they opened the Man Store location in East Helena where he and Brenda worked side by side for close to 13 years. She was often found, by following the sound of her laugh, in the back where her office was and was considered the “brains of the operation” by nearly everyone. If there was ever a job that Brenda put her all and everything into, it was being an amazing mother. She hated to ever miss any of her son’s extra-curricular activities and was normally the loudest fan in the stands. Her constant cheers of encouragement for participants of either side could be heard from one end of the field to the other. This was ever truer when her two sons served in the military. She made sure that she was able to attend every graduation ceremony that either son was a part of, and if you asked her, went with them on each deployment they were sent out on. In August of 2005 Brenda became a grandmother for the first time when Justin arrived into the world, and then again in 2009 when his little sister Lacey was born, her third grandchild Willow blessed her in December of 2017. Brenda loved spending time with her grandchildren, and every one of them adored her without end. She always made sure that there were plenty of toys, activities, snacks, smiles, laughs and love to go around for each and every one of them. Brenda and Pat would spend most of their summer days out at their spot at Kim’s Marina where they parked their camper-trailer. They both loved to fish and loved it even more when they were joined out on the water by their sons and grandchildren. Brenda’s two most fanatical sporting passions were any game the Green Bay Packers played and the annual running of the Kentucky Derby. Her yearly “Derby Parties” were that of legend. She would have trophies made every year for the winners of her parade of hats, mint juleps, copious amounts of food, and fun door prizes for pretty much everyone that attended. It seemed that they got bigger and better with every Run for the Roses. Brenda is preceded in death by her father Joe and Stepfather Tim Opie. She is survived by her ever-loving husband Pat Brewer and sons Patrick and Jeffrey and grandchildren Justin, Lacey, and Willow Brewer. Her mother Linda Opie, brother’s Rex Walsh, Beau Opie, Shane Stack and sister’s Merridee Moshier and Lisa Hands. She is also survived by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Services will be held at Andersen Stevenson Wilke Funeral home once arrangements have been finalized.
Note: Any and all who knew her will be welcome to attend until the state mandated maximum capacity of the facility is reached
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 2, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Fuenral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 2, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 2, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Fuenral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 2, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Jack and Sheryl Vaughn says
Linda and Rex, my heart is so heavy for you both. I loved Brenda as did all who knew her. Prayers for the family.
Sally Russell and Jim Wilcox says
We are so saddened to hear this very sad news. No words can take away the pain this family is going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now, and in the days ahead. God Bless everyone. All our love,
Beverly Clark says
I am so saddened to hear of this news as Brenda was a very special person that I was blessed to know & call my friend. All of her family & friends are in my thoughts & prayers. May you all be comforted & surrounded with love during this awful & difficult time!
Rob Creel says
Sorry to Pat, Patrick, and Jeffrey. Brenda was a kind soul with plenty of spirit. She will be missed by all.
Sharlene Stav says
To all of Brenda’s special family,
It brought tears to our eyes when we heard of Brenda’s passing. She always had a smile and a laugh, we loved visiting
with her. Your entire family has always been special to us and we want you to know that we are thinking of you
and you are in our prayers. Please take care.
Keith and Shar Stav
Linda Gillett says
Pat, Patrick, Jeff and family
Jim and I were so sad to hear of your Loss. brenda was a very nice person. We are
Thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Jim and Linda Gillett
Karen Tenneson says
Pat, Patrick , Jeff and family,
We are so sorry . Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Love Tom and Karen Tenneson
Karen Lynch says
I just spoke to Jeffrey and heard this sad news. My heart aches for the entire family (Pat, Patrick, Jeffrey, Linda & Rex!) I am sending my thoughts and prayers to you all. Karen Lynch
Cathy Jenkins says
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. There are no words that will heal your hearts. Brenda was kind, compassionate and damn funny. She was the rock of your family and our hearts hurt for you, she was taken from you much too soon. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan and Cathy
Mary Kay Bennett says
My dear Linda, Rex and Family:
I am so sorry to read about beautiful Brenda this morning in the Helena IR.
Didn’t have a chance to meet her and it was my loss.
She accomplished more than most people could have in 90 years. A life well lived.
Cathy Ransier says
Rex and Brenda’s loved ones,
I wish there was anything to be done to ease your loss. Holding you in prayers and so very, very sorry.
Ann Lynn Riley says
Dear Rex and families,
I was so sorry to read about Brenda in todays paper.
I will always remember her infectious smile and laugh, especially during “showtune time” at Mergs.
My thoughts and prayer are with all of you.
Bob and Joyce Fries says
Jeff, Bob and I were so sad to hear of the passing of your mom. She was an amazing woman. She had the most beautiful smile and infectious laugh. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her. You and your family are in our prayers.
Dave Anderson says
Pat, Pat and family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. She was a great lady. I always looked forward to seeing her at the store… she was always a hoot to visit with. Be strong and know my thoughts are with you.
Stubby says
Brenda was loved and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met her. Condolences and prayers to the fine families and friends she left behind.
Florence H Shaw says
Pat, Patrick, Jeffrey and family
I am so saddened by this news. Brenda was a ray and sunshine and a ball of fire. My deepest condolences to you and may memories of her somehow sustain you in this time of sorry.
With deepest sympathy,
Flossie
Florence H Shaw says
Pat, Patrick, Jeffrey and family
I am so saddened by this news. Brenda was a ray of sunshine and a ball of fire. My deepest condolences to you and may memories of her somehow sustain you in this time of sorrow.
With deepest sympathy,
Flossie
Karen Quihillalt says
Pat, Patrick and Jeff. John and I are heartbroken over Brenda’s passing. We we’re blessed to have known this great lady! Our sympathies and prayers to all of Brenda’s family. We hope your wonderful memories get you through this time of sorrow. Stay strong and know she loved you all! Our sympathies. John and Karen (KK) Quihillalt
Joy Novota says
Rex – we send you our sympathies in the loss of your sister. It sounds as if the two of you had an ‘active’ life, depending on each other & holding each other up along life’s highway. May you hold onto those special memories to help you through the lonely moments. Blessings to you & your family. Gary & Joy Novota ~*~
Kathy & Tim Royston says
Dear Linda and family,
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you.
Jean Applegate says
Pat, Patrick and Jeffrey
Saddened to hear of the passing of Brenda. Our families paths crossed as bowling friends. Her smile and laugh was contagious! Always a pleasure to be around. Losing a loved one is difficult, but please know that great memories will forever be with us. The Applegate and Eslick families send their condolences .
Nancy Tyanich says
I’m so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I met her years ago at the Main News store on the walking mall. She was a funny lady and very kind. I’m glad I got a chance to meet her. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Brenda’s family. Nancy Tyanich
Pat Hunt says
Dear Pat, Patrick and Jeffrey, I enjoyed going into Main News on the walking mall because of Brenda’s wonderful smile and laugh. She always expressed and shared great joy. She was so proud of her boys and will be greatly missed.
Kelly Nilan says
What? Holy smokes! This news really hits hard. Brenda was one of my all-time favorites. Linda, Rex, Beau and family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Jody L Williams says
I am so shocked and saddened at Brenda’ s passing. My heart goes out to all her family and friends. Brenda was a ray of sunshine any day I saw her. I will miss her laugh and smile. Love Jody
Sue Jackson says
To Brenda’s family, especially Rex, I am so sorry to read that such a joyful person has left the earth. You’ll miss her sorely.Sue and Duane Jackson
John Reddy says
Pat, Patrick and Jeffrey…I was stunned when I heard the news of Brenda’s passing. Judy and I are so sorry. Prayers for you all, from us. John & Judy Reddy
Jarrett says
I’m so so sorry and sad to learn of Brenda passing. Brenda was a light to all she crossed paths with. She is missed more than words can express. Prayers to all of you as you Celebrate her life.
Jarrett