Tribute

The family of Brenda Louise Borba (nee Gamble) is heartbroken to announce her death at the age of 63 on September 13, 2024.  Brenda was predeceased by the love of her life, Joe Borba, their infant son Geordi, her father Ivan Gamble, in-laws Manuel and Elvira Borba, and brother-in-law John Borba. Mourning the loss of our mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt are: Her three sons, Brendan (Therese), Daneel (Kya), and Levon (Cellouin); beloved grandchildren Joelle, Lewis, Jacob, Isaac, & Gabrielle; mother Gwen Gamble, siblings Ken (Donna), Kathryn, Yvonne (Gord); and nieces and nephews Jenn (Chris), Lucy & Gabe; Katie (Matt), Ben, Ellie, & Jack; Megan; Andrew (Megan), Charlotte; and Matthew (Cierra).

Brenda was born in Prince Rupert, BC on November 18, 1960, the third child and second daughter of Ivan and Gwen Gamble. A popular doll growing up was Chatty Cathy. In the Gamble family, however, it was chatty Brenda. She was very outgoing and wore her heart on her sleeve.

It was in Oliver, BC in 1975, at the age of 15, that Brenda met the love of her life, Joe Borba, a friend and classmate of her older sister Kathryn. Their relationship proved to be more than just a teenage romance and in the summer of 1979 Joe and Brenda were married. Brenda’s parents gave permission under the condition that she finished University.

In 1983 she graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Brenda took to motherhood with a lot of love and pragmatism. She and Joe were overjoyed to welcome four sons to their family. Brendan, Daneel, Geordi (who sadly passed away at birth) and Levon. As the boys grew and started to bring friends to the house, Brenda welcomed and mothered them all. In time Brenda was delighted to become a grandmother. She doted on the grandkids and enjoyed having them come to her house for a visit. When a complaint was lodged that she was spoiling the kids, Brenda replied, “Grandma’s house. Grandma’s rules.”

In 2017 Brenda was devastated by the sudden death of her husband Joe. They had been married for 38 years and together for 42. It was hard to remember a time when Joe wasn’t by her side. Her family and her dedication to her career in public service helped her through this difficult time.

In October of 2023 Brenda was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In true optimistic and determined (some would say stubborn) style, Brenda managed to stay with her family for 11 months. Throughout her last months, she was who she’d always been, positive and caring. Her family will miss her smile and her wholehearted laugh. It is almost unfathomable that such an uplifting and encouraging woman is gone. Our consolation is the hope that she and her beloved Joe are together once again.