EULOGY - Brenda Irene Ann Bates - 1939-2023

Brenda Irene Ann Bates, nee Randall, affectionately known as Mum, Ma, and Aunty Bren, was born on the 12th of March 1939 at Bishops Court, Norfolk Island, christened here at St Barnabas, 3 months later. The only daughter of Edie & Wilfred Randall, Brenda was the eldest of three children, with her two adored younger brothers, Franklin, and Basil – with their playful, loving relationship to endure for years to come.

Brenda grew up at Ma Anna’s down Mill Road, until the age of 15, when the family moved into the newly built family home, Mahana, at Cascade Road. Growing up, Brenda made many wonderful memories, many involving running down to Cascade on foot to fish with her good mate Peter Christian.

When Brenda came of age, she met and fell in love with bank boy, Brian

Bates. Their story was one of love. They courted for a couple of

years, before getting married here at St Barnabas Chapel, on the 7th of November 1962. They were married for 46 happy years. St Barnabas Chapel would then continue to theme throughout Brenda’s life, from regularly attending Sunday church services, to being an active volunteer, cleaning the chapel for decades.

Soon after their marriage, they moved to Brisbane to pursue Brian’s

work opportunities. The time then came to purchase a house. Despite

looking high and low, Brian struggled to satisfy Brenda’s need for a big kitchen. Then finally, along came 41 Arnold Street, Holland Park – having a big, open plan kitchen, and reminding Brenda of Mahana on Norfolk. With Ann & Ron Moran up the street, and Norfolk Islander Josie & Bert not far away, this would become their home – with so many happy times ahead.

2 years to the day from their wedding, Brenda would become a loving mother. 3 boys; David, Darren and Wayne, and 2 late twin girls, all of who she loved and cherished.

Raising the boys kept them on their toes, with Brenda and Brian often having to take them down Emily for a run and swim every morning,

attempting to burn off all that excess energy before school. Whilst

Brenda and Brian were building their house, they stayed at Gabbits – and as a family, it was a daily task for the boys to help produce no less than 80 bricks before school. Brenda would often recount happy memories of holidays on Uncle Ernie & Aunt Ivy’s launch, along with the many Phillip Island camping trips, with different crews of young kids.

Brenda would go on to work in many different jobs over her life, from the Exchange to the Post Office, to World Traders with the Goslings, to Cargo with Leonie & Pam Berling, onto Max’s – where she was loved by all. In her younger days, Brenda was often complimented on her stylish dresses, many of which were Sears Roebuck hand me downs from Dolly.

In 1995, Brian and Brenda built Ocean View – which would keep Brenda busy for many years to come, offering warm hospitality and many chats to hundreds of guests over the decades.

Brenda and Brian would go on to see many different corners of the world, from Korea, Scotland, Europe, Guam, Solomon Islands, and so many more.

Brenda lived life to the fullest and was happy to show the world who

she really was. Often described as the “life of the party” – lord

knows she never liked to miss out on anything – du mine what’s et.

Brenda loved tennis, both to watch and play. Starting from a young age of listening to Nanna Edd’s radio, this would continue throughout her life, staying up to all hours of the night, rarely missing the grand slam matches. Brenda could also hold her own on the court, with her name featuring many times up on the championship boards up Cheryl Tennis Club, along with being a valuable player for Cascade in many Vide cups.

A mighty cook, a staunch supporter of Cascade, a staunch supporter of Nepean, Brenda was a loyal Norfolk Islander, keeping strong so many of

Norfolk’s traditions. Anyone down Cascade could attest to regularly

sighting Brenda & Leonie walking the block, before heading down Emily for their morning swim.

It was also one of her greatest joys in life to be there for Brian and Darren to put Advance 1 and 2 in and out of the water. Rarely a day missed, Brenda was a regular sight at either Cascade or Kingston pier.

Living up to her “Queen of the Crane” title, only using the green Land Cruiser, it was not uncommon fe her cetch for some while longer, as

she’d have a queue of boats lined up for her magic touch. At the

young age of 80, Bren would become oh so proud to officially be “certified” – receiving her official crane operator licence.

Brenda had many things to be proud of in life, but she was most proud

of her sons and knew they were each special in their own ways. She

loved dearly her in-laws, Alan, Haidee & Oliva and adored being a grandmother, to her much loved three grandchildren, Ashlan, Nova &

Oscar. And she particularly loved all of her nieces and nephews.