June 6, 1958 – October 13, 2023
Peacefully, with her family at her side in hospital, Brenda Alice Molinski, aged 65 years, was called home to the Lord on Friday, October 13, 2023.
She joins in heaven her brother Richard Zaretski, and parents, Mike and Gloria Zaretski (Shauman), as well as other sorrowfully missed family and friends that have gone before her. Left to treasure her memory are her loving husband of 45 years, Jason, her three children: Dusty (Michelle), Stacy (Ryan) and Cam (Melissa), her four grandchildren: Milo, Eli, Esme, and Theo, her sister Judy Arndt, sister-in-law Merilyn, as well as her nephew, nieces, friends, and other family.
Brenda was born in Beausejour and grew up on the family farm in Brightstone, near Lac du Bonnet, MB. She attended one-room Berryland School before attending the larger schools in town. Feeding chickens, making hay, and other farm duties were part of everyday life and she would often share stories of her childhood, reminiscing about the fun times, and the hard times, alike. After high school, she moved to Winnipeg to attend Red River College, and was proud of the working career that followed, especially her last twenty years at Astroid Management before retirement. She would go on to make the city her home for the rest of her life.
At a dance at Thalberg Hall, she met the love of her life, Jason, and they eventually married on June 24, 1978. They had each truly found their soul mate and their marriage was blessed. Ready to welcome a family, they bought a home and even built their own furniture. Brenda wanted nothing more in life than to have a family. She was a doting mother to three children, and there was nothing she would not do for her family, putting them first above all else. She worked hard to give her kids everything they needed. She loved them dearly and instilled an ethic of respect and hard-work. This love passed to her grandchildren, of whom she was so proud. Friends were important too and she cherished her friendships just as much. She would often be phoning, emailing, and texting, and coffee after church, socials, weddings, barbeques, and other events were not to be missed when there was a chance to spend time with family and friends.
Together, Brenda and Jason built the log cabin they dreamed of. A cherished place, they would be there from spring melt until fall snow, and sometimes even in winter on snowshoes. The cabin was truly a labour of love and the fact that it was literally built by hand together as a family was very special to her.
Having battled cancer in her 30s, it returned in her 60s. Ever thinking of others, she would worry about how we felt through it all, even when she had so much to worry about herself. Truly her father’s daughter, she was brave and never complained, despite so much to complain about. She fought so very hard.
Sincere thanks goes to the exceptional staff of CancerCare Manitoba and HSC Women’s Hospital, 5th Floor, and the many family and friends who provided their care, prayers, and support.
Prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour, MB, on Monday, October 23, 2023. A funeral service will follow the next day at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one hour prior, at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour, MB, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Following a lunch, interment will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Cemetery in Gull Lake, MB.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or Health Sciences Centre Foundation.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7
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Dennis , Angela
We were so saddened to hear about Brenda’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gary Warner
So sorry to hear about Brenda. She was a wonderful person
Tom Zarecki
We are so deeply saddened. Brenda’s presence was a source of warmth and connection, and she will be missed. Brenda had an extraordinary gift for maintaining family bonds. Her commitment to keeping us all connected and informed through her thoughtful updates was truly remarkable. We could always count on her to share the latest news, special moments, and her genuine love for her family. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and positivity.
Our hearts go out to Jason, Dusty, Stacey, Cam and family during this difficult time, and know that we are here to support and cherish the memories of Brenda.
May she rest in peace, and her spirit live on in our hearts.
Tom Zarecki (cousin), Cindy and Carly
Glen & Nicole Kudar
So sorry and shocked to hear of Brenda’s passing as she had just communicated with us that she was doing okay. We were hoping to visit with her either at the hospital or at her and Jason’s cottage. May God wrap his loving arms around you, comfort you and reunite you with your parents and brother. We have made a donation in Brenda’s memory to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Nicole & Glen Kudar & family (cousin of Jason)
Wayne Wittmeier
Jason and family our deepest condolences. Brenda was such a warm and kind person and will be greatly missed. We wish we had more time together.
Wayne and Norma Wittmeier
Mildred Betker betkerwilfred@gmail.com
Jason, your Children & Grandchildren,
We send our deepest condolences for your immense loss, pain & grief on the passing of your beloved wife, mother & grandmother. The Lord knew that Brenda was weakening, so He took her by the hand and said, “come with me”. Brenda has been admitted into everlasting life thats filled with happiness, joy and be free from pain & suffering. Brenda will rejoyce in the house of the Lord.
Grief never ends, but it changes the life you became accustom to. Grief is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. Grief is the price of “LOVE”. When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes precious treasure, forever.
Know that the Lord will bless you with special strength to continue on with your lifes’ journey. You will have a special heavenly angel guiding and watching over you, every step of the way.
With peace and comforting hugs to everyone,
Mildred & Wilf Betker (friends)
Joe Mathews
Brenda was such a good friend to Rose. We had so many great memories together. She will be greatly missed by myself and my kids! Rest in peace! Rose is happy to have her in Heaven now!
Joe Mathews and Family
Alix Ambler
Brenda will forever be in the hearts of those lucky enough to know her.
Sending my best wishes and prayers to the family.
With love
Alix
Tim and Rhonda Cameron
Jason and family
we are to sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing
Brenda was a wonderful person ,she brought joy to everyone she met
we will miss her and her warm smile
we always enjoyed our little visits
Treasure the memories of a wonderful lady
Tim and Rhonda Cameron
Harlon and Barb
Dear Jason and family
There wasnt a kinder person than Brenda. Although we all get busy with our lives it was always nice to get together for birthdays and anniversaries. At the end of the day its not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you have given back. As you navigate the next while we wish you PEACE to bring comfort COURAGE to face the days ahead and LOVING MEMORIES to forever hold in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harlon and Barb
Barbara
Sincerest condolences to the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Your neighbour’s Barbara, Mirek Karhut and family
Sara Krahn
Thinking of you during this difficult time Dusty, Michelle and the whole family ! She sounds like an incredible woman
Diane Wittmeier
Dear Jason and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Brenda was a very special person as well as a great friend, we will miss her.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Les and Diane
Theresa
Dear Jasen & family. So very sad to hear of the passing of Brenda. She was such a sweetheart& will none missed by all our family. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Love Theresa Zarecki❤️❤️
Diane Andrusiak
Dusty and Michelle and family;
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane Andrusiak
Marilyn Dyck
Dear Jason and family: Our thoughts go out to you in this time of sadness. With sincerest sympathy.
Marilyn, Ralf Dyck and familys. (Stilkowski)
Patricia Sayer(Smyrski)
Jason and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your beautiful Brenda.
Patricia (Smyrski) and Rick Sayer-Calgary
Lisa & Brian Hnatyshyn
Brenda was such a beautiful person inside and out. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to Jason and family.
James and Audrey Gunning
Dear Jason and family, so very sorry to hear of Brendas passing. she definitely was a beautiful person. our heartfelt condolences to you and all that loved her
love
James and Audrey gunning
Bruce and Wendy Neufeld
Jason, we are so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Janice and David
Jason and family,
We were very sad to learn of Brenda’s passing–may the treasured memories you have be a comfort in time. Our very deepest condolences.
In Sympathy,
Janice (nee Smyrski–daughter of Peter and Barbara) and David –Calgary, Alberta
Barb Pachal
Jason
At this time to you and your family my heartfelt sympathy