Brenda Vrba

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Brenda Louise Vrba in her 69th year on May 18, 2019 while surrounded by family at Strathcona Long Term Care. Brenda was born on November 18, 1950 to John and Melva (Koehler) Atto in Kitchener. Brenda graduated from nursing school at Norfolk Hospital in Simcoe and worked proudly as a nurse at Henderson, Dunnville Memorial, Credit Valley and Oakville Trafalgar hospitals, before reeducating as a Social Worker at Niagara College. Brenda met her husband Peter Vrba in Honey Harbour when she was only 17 years old and married soon after at 19. This October they would have celebrated 49 years of love together. In their retirement, Peter and Brenda moved to Hanover, Ontario, where Brenda was active in the Hanover Lions Club and also at Grace United Church as a grief counselor. She was a talented painter and enjoyed life on the lake with her two dogs, Oliver and Lucy. Brenda is survived by her husband Peter Vrba, children Melanie (Brian McEwen), Bryan (Julie Poitevin) and Adam (Cassandra), grandchildren Zoë, Mila, Keele and Matilda, as well as many nieces and nephews. Brenda is also survived by her siblings Nancy and Tom Leathong, Jill and Mark Deakin, and Randy and Caroline Atto. Brenda was predeceased by her parents John and Melva Atto and her older brother John Atto. Brenda will be remembered for her love for family and her dedication to helping others. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at Grace United Church at 310-12th Street in Hanover, Ontario at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lions Camp Dorset at https://www.lionscampdorset.ca/visitors/donations/. Camp Dorset, a Lions Clubs of Ontario project, is a resort that offers a vacation opportunity for dialysis patients and their families.  Brenda’s family wishes to thank the staff of Strathcona Long Term Care, who helped to make sure that her final months were filled with love and smiles.  Online condolences may be made at www.greybrucecremation.com.