Brenda Marilyn Watkin

Born in Toronto, the daughter of Mary (Levine) Hersh and Harry Hersh. Brenda graduated from Toronto Teachers College and taught third grade at Glen Park and United Synagogue day school. Following the birth of her daughters, she taught English as a Second Language for adults. While earning a BA in Art History at the University of Toronto, she worked part-time as co-ordinator of adult education at the YMCA and as co-coordinator for volunteer services in Oakville.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1983, Brenda became a docent at LACMA where she made many friends.

Brenda was an avid and knowledgeable gardener and her lifelong love of learning led to the study of multiple languages, literature and cooking.

Family and friends loved dining chez Brenda where they enjoyed her creative and gracious hospitality.

She spent 13 years with Jim Golden, with whom she spent many wonderful times.

Most of all Brenda loved being a mother, and it was her daughters and grandchildren who were the center of her life.

Brenda is survived by her daughters Lisa (Jim) and Sari, her grandchildren Timothy, Emily (Eric), Maren and Avriel, her brother Alan (Joyce), her bonus family Ashley, Christopher, Lucas and Sydney, and many nieces and nephews with whom she had beautiful relationships.