In memory of

Brenda Jacqueline Christen

February 25, 1961 -  January 15, 2023

Upon learning that our beautiful Brenda had died, one friend wrote “It feels as if the sun just
imploded”. Brenda Jacqueline Christen left us in the first hour of the day on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
She was 61 years old soon to be 62 on February 25th. Within a few short months, cancer robbed us of
one of the most vibrant dynamic people we had ever known. She was irreverent ( breathtakingly so),
beautiful, gritty and fun… so much fun. She loved colour and design and art and music and food. She
had a closet full of crazily tall shoes because she was of the opinion that they “made her look thin”. She
had many many friends, old and new, far and wide. She loved a garden and created many alongside
several beautiful homes. She lived hard and loud.

Brenda was a lawyer. A family law lawyer. She went to law school at Dalhousie without a first degree, so
was impossibly young when called to the Bar. Her law firm was established a full 35 years ago. Most
days, her presence at the office was announced by the crashing of her ubiquitous leather briefcase onto
the wooden floor beside her desk. There was literally no surface on which her morning coffees were not
spilt. In fact, it was sometimes possible to track her down simply by following the trail of coffee. She
was razor smart and would issue outrageous comebacks with the timing of a world-class comedian.
Much of what she said could not be easily repeated but all who knew her are nodding their heads
remembering her rollicking wit.

Along with her quick mind and tongue, she was generous, sweet, and exceptionally fair. She was an
advocate of the highest quality and the champion of many whose careers were launched due to her
mentoring. Her thoroughness and precise intention garnered her a reputation among her peers as
one of the finest lawyers in the profession. She was a consummate businesswoman and legendary real
estate investor. She won Best Lawyer/Mediator for the last two years.

In a 2019 interview for Young Women in the Law: Managing Partner Series, she said when asked for any
advice , “Don’t let men push you around. Call XXXXXXX when you see it and stick up for other women in
your profession and everywhere else”. That was Brenda.

Most of all, Brenda (a New Brunswicker whose family moved throughout the Maritimes as her father,
Doug, moved up the ranks of the RCMP) loved her family. They were her greatest joy in life, and her
greatest concern at the end. She leaves Joe, her husband of 21 years, and her beloved daughters
Teadora and Lilliana, her mother Jacqueline, her older brother Bruce, his wife Deborah, and their sons
Ryan and Brandon, her younger brother Brett, his wife Angela, and their daughter Annika.

She waited some time to find her Joe and to begin their family, bringing to this most precious group that
same infectious roiling energy that characterized her and all she did. Joe was the love of her life, her
warrior, a best friend who always had her back. Brenda lived life to the fullest together with her dearest
Teddy, Lilly and Joe. Cherished memories of good times and laughter must sustain us now in the face of
this untimely and painful loss.

There will be no funeral except for immediate family at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. A Celebration of her
wonderful life will be held in a few months. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Brenda’s
name. She supported the Red Door Family Shelter. (https.//www.reddoorshelter.ca/ways-to-
give/tribute-gift)

Guestbook 

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Dan Bailey 

Entered January 19, 2023 from Toronto

Joe, Teddy, and Lily - I cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear this news. I so appreciated the kindness, wit, and wisdom of your beloved partner and mother. I cannot imagine your sense of loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you will be in my thoughts and near to my heart in the coming days.
- Dan B.

Randolph Reimer (Friend)

Entered January 19, 2023 from Guelph

Devastated to have seen this developing. I will always remember her, I would have been a lesser man for not having known her. I experienced all of her positive traits - wit, humour, generosity, irreverence. To Joe and the girls, my deepest sympathy's. RIP Brenda Christen.....

Kathy (nee Power)and Ken McNab (Knew Brenda in high school and saw her over the years when visiting Halifax)

Entered January 19, 2023 from Halifax, Nova Scotia

Love those words about Brenda’s strong personality as that is how I knew her. I especially appreciate her advice for young women.
Our deepest condolences to all of the family. She was well loved and will be missed.
Look out heaven!!

Dani KIein (Teacher)

Entered January 19, 2023 from Toronto

I was heartbroken this week to learn of Brenda's passing. She was such a force for all that was good: love and change and humour and happiness. In my time teaching Lilly and Teddy, every interaction I had with Brenda was a joy. I will never forget how, in March of 2020 when we were first going into lockdown, Brenda came to pick Lilly up at the airport after our wild Europe trip and threw Covid caution to the wind, giving me a great big bear hug. That hug got me through the next four months of isolation.
Sending all of my love to Teddy and Lilly, and to Joe.

Jeff Borsten (Friend)

Entered January 19, 2023 from Toronto

My heart aches. Brenda was such a lovely person. I had the pleasure of getting to know her when I worked at Montcrest School where her Lilly and Teddy attended. Always pleasant and wickedly funny, I enjoyed every encounter I had with her. The world has lost a gem. My sincere condolences to Joe, Lilly, and Teddy.

Jef Borsten

Photos 

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