WESTFIELD – Brenda Vrana died peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, her 87th birthday, at the Governor’s Center in Westfield. She was born in Cheshire, England on November 12, 1926 and was the daughter of the late Frank and Violet Youle.Brenda was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Richard Frank Vrana in 2011. They married in England, where he was stationed during WWII and she traveled to America on the Queen Elizabeth, alone, at age 18, to await his return. Together, they raised their family in Astoria and Bethpage, New York. Brenda worked for Doubleday and Co. book publishers as a customer service representative. After retirement, Brenda and Richard moved to the Four Seasons Estates in Largo, FL, where they had many close friends. Brenda enjoyed dancing, playing cards, knitting and cooking and baking for her family and friends. She made the best pot roast, Christmas cookies and spinach dip. She prided herself on being independent and was a very strong woman. She rarely complained about anything. Brenda was absolutely devoted to her family with unconditional love that could be felt so strongly. We will always remember her beautiful smile, compassion and gentle words of wisdom, often accompanied by a “cuppa” tea.
Brenda is survived by her son, Richard Michael Vrana and his wife Janice; a daughter, Janet Ann Vrana Beneitone and her husband Roger; six grandchildren Richard J. Vrana and his wife Karin, Kelly Vrana Donoso and her husband, Marcos, Frank Vrana, Justin Beneitone, Bryan Beneitone and Sam Beneitone; and six great-grandchildren, Amanda, Katlin, Richie, Marcos, Hailey and Frankie.
Funeral and burial services will be private and at the convenience of the family. The Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, in Westfield, MA is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011; http://www.alz.org/jointhecausedonate.asp
