Sylvia Whelan "Brenda" (23 Dec 1945 - 14 Jun 2020)

In loving memory of Sylvia Brenda Whelan who passed away peacefully at home on 14th June 2020.

Brenda was born on the 23rd December 1945 in West London. Although her first name was actually Sylvia, she was always known to her family and friends by her middle name, Brenda. Together with her older sister Patricia, and her parents Jessie and Cecil Young, she lived throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s in Bryony Road in London W12. The family moved to South Ockendon, Essex in the early 1960’s. Brenda completed her schooling at Burlington Girls Grammar School in Wood Lane in 1962 and then attended Grays College in Essex on a secretarial/commercial diploma course. This led on to her first job as a shorthand secretary in a Jute Importing Company, in the City of London.

Brenda met Paul Whelan in 1962 and they married on the 1st May 1965. By June 1969, the Whelan family had expanded to 5, with Lee arriving in 1965 (West Ealing), Ian in 1967 (Greenford) and finally Adam in 1969 (Berinsfield-Oxfordshire). Shortly after Adam’s arrival, Brenda and family moved to Poole in Dorset. This was followed by moves to Chertsey in 1974 and then Lower Sunbury in 1977. Much to Brenda’s relief, she remained rooted in Sunbury for the next 42 years before her final move to her bungalow in Weybridge in September 2019.

Brenda had a remarkable capacity to bring laughter and joy to her extensive family and wide circle of friends. There were never any awkward silences when Brenda was in the room. Her signature colour was purple and you could guarantee that her outfits and accessories would always be perfectly coordinated. Brenda’s primary sporting interest was watching tennis and she looked forward to her annual ‘Wimbledon’ feast. Brenda’s particular pleasure was her many visits to the health spa, Henlow Grange, with her best friend Chris Elliott. Chris was Brenda’s next door neighbour in Chertsey. They first met the eventual owner of Henlow Grange, Mrs Purdew, whilst attending her diet & slimming club. Brenda and Chris shared many happy memories as ‘Special Guests’ at Henlow Grange, and become personal friends of Mrs ‘P’. Brenda also created many happy memories sharing holidays with all her sons and extended family and friends.

Brenda had so many special friends there are far too many to list here. However, they will know who they are. Special mentions go to her oldest school friend Pam Woodvine (nee Payne), Cath Whelan, Steve Fuller and Franco. She will also be especially missed by her sister Patricia & brother-in-law Ivor, grandchildren Toby, Miles, Harvey, Holly and Rafferty, her daughter-in-laws Penny and Felicity, her extended ‘in-laws’ Maureen & John, Ann, Julia, Michael & Lucy, Pat & Carol, the multitude of nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family, her friends and work colleagues through her long association with Lee’s business enterprise ‘Acuity Solutions’ and all her many other friends and neighbours.

However sad we all are at her passing, we are also relieved that she is now resting, in peace, after a four year period of illness with cancer. Her family are grateful to the Hospitals, Woking Hospice and especially the Sam Beare Palliative Care Team who supported her throughout her illness.

Brenda, you will be sadly missed ... forever ... but now you can finally ... Rest In Peace ❤️