Brenda Mary Jelley was born Sept. 10, 1960 to Thomas and Marian Desmond.
Brenda was raised for the first nine years on a ranch on Dog Creek Road, then moved to her family’s permanent home, which is still located on Dog Creek Road.
Often times the family would pack up to travel with Tom, her dad, so he could work on cow camps.
During the times at cow camps, Brenda, Duffy and Reg spent time riding horses, berry picking, cow chasing, branding and on fishing excursions.
There was the odd mishap that would happen during their adventures as children together.
In 1967 the family moved to town to stay with Grandma Daisy, and Dan was born.
In 1969, Tom decided to purchase the Purjue Ranch on Dog Creek Road, where the family home is to this day.
Brenda was taught by correspondence for the first three years by her mom, Marian, then she attended Mountview School until Grade 7. She attended Williams Lake Junior Secondary School, then Columneetza Senior Secondary School where she graduated Grade 12 in 1978 with many good friends.
In 1979, Brenda and friend, Marcia, moved to Calgary where they enjoyed their adventure by sharing a one bedroom apartment between Brenda, Marcia and Jude, before moving in to a larger place.
They had fun with road trips through B.C., Alberta and Florida.
Brenda was drawn back to Williams Lake as she missed her friends and family.
In spring 1982, Brenda met the love of her life, Rick.
Little did they both know the amazing life they would have together.
They bought two homes together, one on Winger Road in 1983, and another at Tyee Lake in 1987. They moved to Tyee Lake full time in December 2000.
On Sept. 1, 1984 Brenda and Rick were married with guests that numbered approximately 220 people.
In February 1989, Amanda, the first of two beautiful daughters was born. Sara was born two-and -half-years later in 1991. Her daughters were the joy of Brenda’s life.
Brenda lived her life to the fullest. She was an avid snowmobiler. Along with Rick, and many friends, she ripped around on many a mountain in the Cariboo region and Tyee Lake area.
In the summer she enjoyed quad rides, boat cruising, barbecues and theme dinners with both friends and family.
Annual girls’ weekends with her “besties” was something she looked forward to every year.
Brenda always wanted to travel to see new places.
Brenda and Rick would take her Pontiac Solstice and go on vacations with minimal luggage and have an outstanding time together.
They travelled internationally as well to places such as Brazil, Montana, Las Vegas, and Oregon to name a few.
Brenda became an avid runner in the five and 10 kilometre marathons. She enjoyed running immensely.
Not only did Brenda run locally, but on many runs she travelled to places such as Quesnel, Kamloops and Vancouver for causes that were close to her heart.
As we all know, Brenda had time for everyone.
A social butterfly, with golden wings is what she was. Everyone enjoyed the gatherings, visiting and the one-on-one times Brenda had with both family and friends.
As a family member Brenda loved her brothers so very much. Each and every one of them were very important to her.
Time with her extended Pinchbeck family; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins was always a highlight for Brenda. It was important for her to stay connected to them.
The Jelley family’s lives are so very much richer for Brenda being a part of their lives. She was our Bennie. She will always be our sister.
Brenda and Rick have worked together since 1990 to build their business to the success that it is today.
Brenda was a well-known business woman.
She was involved with many associations, one being the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce.
Brenda will be missed greatly by her husband Rick, daughters Amanda and Sara, brothers Duffy, Reg and Dan, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many friends.
We will miss you forever.