Brenda J Garrison

Parents: Jean Thompson and Milton Mason

Brenda was married to Phil W. Garrison Jr. from October 8, 1960, until his passing on October 17, 2004. She later married Robert Diffley on December 1, 2013, and remained with him until his passing on August 3, 2020.

Brenda is survived by her brother, Joseph Allen Thompson, and his wife, Karyl Thompson; her three children, Teresa Garrison Lichti and her husband, Wade Lichti, Michael Garrison, and Jeffrey Garrison and his wife, Annie Garrison; and her five grandchildren, Laura Lichti, Elisabeth Lichti, Brian Garrison, Brendan Garrison, and Bradley Garrison. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Yanabah Garrison, Peyton Garrison, and Phil Q. Garrison. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Berry, and her husband, Don Berry, as well as her brother-in-law, Timothy Garrison, and his wife, Kimberly Garrison. Brenda was loved by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

During her childhood, Brenda lived with her family in Okinawa for 14 months before moving to Wendover, Utah. The family later settled at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where she spent many years.

Brenda attended Desert High School, where she played the clarinet in the school band and was also a majorette. After graduating, she attended Bakersfield College for one year before meeting Phil, who was a coworker and friend of her brother, Joe. Brenda and Phil soon married, and Joe remained Phil’s best friend throughout his life.

Brenda and Phil raised their three children in Lancaster, California. She worked for many years at a school for children with special needs. Later, she started a balloon bouquet and delivery business with her sister-in-law, Karyl.

Brenda was deeply involved in her children's activities. She was a den mother for her sons’ Cub Scout troop and a cheerleading coach for her daughter’s youth football cheerleading team.

An avid skier and tap dancer, Brenda performed with a tap group called Boogie Woogie Mamas at Caravan Dance Studio. She cherished holidays and special occasions spent with the Berry, Garrison, and Thompson families.

After retiring, Brenda and Phil moved to Longmont, Colorado, in 1997. She continued to ski, tap dance, and spend time with the Lichti family. Michael Garrison and his three sons also enjoyed many summer vacations in Longmont. She later joined her daughter in a tap group called Generation Gap at Dance Dimensions in Longmont.

After Phil’s passing, Brenda reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Bob. They married a few years later and moved to Walnut Creek, California. After Bob’s passing, she returned to Longmont, where Jeffrey Garrison and his wife, Annie, were living. When her health declined, she moved in with Jeff and Annie, who lovingly cared for her until she passed.

Brenda never met a stranger. She was friendly, outgoing, and, at times, feisty—in the best way. She dearly loved her family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral mass for Brenda will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 323 Collyer Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. A vigil will occur Friday, April 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM at Howe Mortuary & Crematory, 439 Coffman St, Longmont, Colorado 80501. A burial will occur Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery, 620 11th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado 80501.