Loving Brown Owl is remembered

Brenda was born on August 26 1936 in Baildon and died at her home in Thornhill on August 30.

Symbols of her service to the Brownie and Guide movements, the Mothers’ Union, Women’s World Day of Prayer, Leprosy Mission and Tufty Club were laid out at the front of the church.

A sick visitor and taxi service to many, she brought friendship into the homes of those who were lonely.

But it is as Brown Owl that she is still lovingly known by many hundreds of girls who came under her influence and who have said they were all better people for having grown up with her.

Brenda was a chartered librarian and along with her fellow librarian and later husband Brian, they took library services into parts of the Yorkshire Dales others rarely reached.

Her motto then was ‘books must get through’ even in the worst weather – and with wellies and shovels they did.

She was a loving wife of Brian and caring mother of Andrea and Judith, mother-in-law to Neil and Dave and grandma to Beth and Joe.

Her family described her as a joyful, bumptious and outgoing person but with quiet leadership skills.

The service was held at Thornhill Parish Church on Thursday September 11.