Brenda Renee Benson was an optimistic, kind, and caring person with a great sense of humor. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Brenda, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions.
Brenda was born on March 14, 1963 at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her mother, Geraldine Baker, raised Brenda in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Even as a child, Brenda had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention.
Always a good playmate, Brenda was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations. Brenda was raised with five siblings. She had two brothers, Terry, and James, and three sisters, Bonnie, Connie, and Jerilynn.
All of Brenda's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Brenda experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in volleyball, softball, basketball, and gymnastics. She was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. In her spare time she liked reading, and tether ball. Brenda's memorable achievements included participating in her school play and beauty pageants.
Brenda graduated from Brooklyn Center High School in 1981. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were English and gym. Brenda played softball, volleyball, and basketball. It could be said that for Brenda, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Brenda enjoyed spending time with her friends and creating life long memories. While growing up, some of her best friends were Shawn Adams, Annie Wollock, Ellen Swanson- Riechle, and Kathy and Teresa Zych.
Later in life, Brenda met Mike Luxem. They quickly felt a deep connection to one another and built a loving and respectful relationship. Spending many years together, Mike tried to make her happy and Brenda is the love of his life. He tried to be sensitive to her feelings, and was always there for her, especially when she needed him the most.
Brenda was blessed with two daughters, Taralynn Baker, and Briana Ochoa. She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Christian, and Brayden. Brenda had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Brenda's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Brenda had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.
At work, as in life, Brenda was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Her primary occupation was as a Para-legal. She worked for several law firms, as well as Nevada Power.
Brenda enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, foosball, dance, and thimble collecting. Brenda was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Brenda was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football and NASCAR.
Brenda loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She would go to California and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful sunsets while relaxing on a sandy beach. She was also a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. Brenda dearly loved her two dogs, Missy and Scooter. They were the best of friends for ten years.
Brenda passed away on May 3, 2018 at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brenda fought a brave battle against early onset Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She is survived by her mother Geraldine Baker, spouse, Mike Luxem, daughters, Taralyn, and Briana, grandchildren, Christian and Brayden, brothers, Terry (Kiem), and James, sisters, Connie, Bonnie (Mike), and Jerilynn (John). Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brenda was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brenda brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Brenda Renee Benson lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.
FAMILY
Geraldine BakerMother
Taralynn BakerDaughter
Briana OchoaDaughter
Terry Baker (Kiem)Brother
Bonnie Baker (Mike Walker)Sister
James BakerBrother
Connie WolfSister
Jerilynn Van Hoove (John)Sister
Christian BakerGrandson
Brayden Baker- BroachGrandson
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