Brenda Helen Meharg

Brenda Helen Meharg passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2011, surrounded by her loved ones. A rare genetic condition, Alpha-1, and a scarcity of organ donors cut short the life of a vivacious, adventurous, and outlandish spirit. She leaves behind the following to grieve her passing: her husband, Ben Allen Meharg; her brother Larry Dickinson; her daughter Christina Dawson and husband Bernie and their children Melanie and Megan; her step-daughters and their respective families: Laura and Bob Simon and their children Sommer and Hunter; and Carole Fox and husband Arvon Griffiths and adult children Jake and Justin Fox. She was preceded by the passing of her parents, Joe and Helen Decker.

Brenda was born in San Diego, California on July 18th, 1940. The daughter of a naval commander, she traveled the world throughout her youth and learned early on how to easily make and keep friends and to establish a loving, nurturing home wherever she landed. This attribute would serve her well when she met and married the love of her life, Ben Meharg, who, at the time of their meeting, was a Captain in the Marine Corps. She used her childhood experiences and innate artistic talents to make homes for her family all over the world as she accompanied Ben on his duty assignments during his rise to the rank of Colonel. The wife of a warrior, she understood and embodied the courage and commitment necessary to sustain her home with the attendant hardships of extended absences from her husband, the uncertainty of the outcome of war, and the continual uprooting and transitioning to new, and often foreign environments. We are confident in our faith that she is busy making a home for us when we finally transition to the next phase of our lives in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brenda never met a stranger. If you were fortunate enough to cross her path, even in the most mundane situations, you would walk away knowing you had met a friend for life. A fiery red-head, she was opinionated and challenging at times, but was always a stalwart advocate for those who could not speak up for themselves. A breast-cancer survivor, Brenda remained upbeat during her treatment regiments. She loved a good laugh, playing practical jokes, and using her artistic talents to create whimsical objects and knick-knacks for the home she shared with Ben. Brenda especially loved decorating her home at Christmas time.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a memorial celebration honoring Brenda’s life at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, on Saturday, October 1st at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the home of Brenda and Ben, at 3606 Denbar Court, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Foundation for Transplants, the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation, or the Assistance League of Austin. The ultimate contribution? Become an organ donor.