Brenda Ann Specht

Brenda was born on July 16, 1962, in Seattle, to Stan and Jan Bennatts. The family moved to Olympia in 1975. Brenda attended Capital High School and Western Washington University, and in 1984 began a 27-year career with the Washington State Department of Revenue, most recently as a District Compliance Manager. In 2003, Brenda was named Compliance Division Employee of the Year. Along the way, she raised two beautiful children, Matt and Ashley, who she loved with all her heart. On April 10, 2008, destiny and true love collided when Brenda married Steve Specht. Though their time together was far too short, the deep love they shared was obvious to all who met them.

Brenda had many passions, first and foremost her family and friends. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, then scrapbook the trips in amazing detail, preserving wonderful, long-lasting memories. Brenda loved to decorate for holidays, was without peer when it came to party planning, and was a slave to fashion. The walk-in closet was invented with Brenda in mind. Lastly, she adored the GNO girls! You're "Dolly's" and "Dah-ling's" one and all. So many who loved her will never forget Brenda's gentle spirit, her deep green eyes, her wonderful laugh, and a smile that would light a room. For Brenda there were no strangers, just friends she had yet to meet.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Steve Specht of Olympia; her parents, Stan and Jan Bennatts of Olympia; her sister, Debb (Al) Potter of Gig Harbor; her son, Matthew Garrison of Olympia; and her daughter, Ashley Garrison of Seattle.

A memorial service will be held at the Westwood Baptist Church, 333 Kaiser Rd NW, Olympia, WA, 98502 on June 4, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception following at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Sound Homecare and Hospice.