Some people are just born sweet! Brenda Bibo was one of those extraordinary people. When Brenda joined our Edwards Family 22 years ago, we immediately knew she was a jewel. She would spread sunshine wherever she went.

Born into a family that would include six children, Brenda enjoyed the love and support of her family throughout her life. 

Brenda had lived in 13 different homes in various states before moving to our Oak Street House. Having lived the longest with Edwards Center, Oak Street became her home, and her roommates became family.

Brenda was passionate about a lot of things. First, purple. She loved everything purple, so it’s not surprising that she chose purple—lots of purple when picking out her room and curtain colors.

In celebration of her life last month, we all wore purple to her memorial. We always knew what Brenda would like: purple balloons, purple sweaters, purple sheets and pillowcases, and purple bouquets.

Brenda was passionate about work. She loved her jobs through Edwards Enterprises, especially refurbishing Comcast remote controls. She was proud to do work for Comcast, Bonita Packaging, and Vernier Software. She worked hard and paid attention to detail. While working at Edwards Enterprises, Brenda met Jessie, and they fell in love. They enjoyed having lunch together daily at work and looked forward to Edwards-sponsored parties, dances, and community experiences. They adored each other. When their eyes met, the sparkle was always there.

Brenda was passionate about the Flintstones, had collected all their DVDs, and never tired of viewing them again and again.

Like most Edwards Center participants, Brenda loved holidays. She loved the food unique to each holiday but especially loved Halloween and deciding on a fantastic costume for the Halloween party. She loved Christmas, too. Presents! Our annual Christmas party and a visit from Santa and his helper always delighted Brenda. Like a child, She never lost the joy of looking forward to each holiday season.

Sadly, in 2017, Brenda was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and we were reminded of the incredible strength, resilience, and spirit she had as she went through treatment. Never complaining, she fought back and inspired us every day. This year, while hospitalized, it was discovered that she had a second and more aggressive Lymphoma that had grown beyond treatment. She was then placed on Hospice.

Brenda had a good ending at Oak Street, surrounded and cared for by dedicated staff, family, and hospice providers. Edwards works closely with Hospice to keep Edwards residents at home with their familiar staff and roommates.

Brenda was 66 years old when she passed away last month. Her family agrees that the 22 years spent at Edwards Center Oak Street were the fullest, very productive, and most enjoyable years of her life. Edwards Center gave her a community, lasting friendships, and a chance to reach her potential.

Brenda’s story is not unlike that of other Edwards Center participants who have spent 20, 30, and 40 years of their adult lives with us. Not all our residents are blessed to have family like Brenda, therefore, their Edwards Family becomes even more important. We cherish the opportunity to be family and support them in their life’s journey.

We are proud to answer each parent’s worst fear,“What is going to happen when I am gone?” and we continue to be inspired by each participant’s unique abilities, remarkable achievements, and the joy they bring into our lives.

At Edwards Center, we are dedicated to supporting these remarkable individuals through group housing, employment opportunities, continuing education, and engaging social events. This holiday season, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to you, our supporters, family members, and staff who have made it possible for us to make a positive impact in the lives of Brenda and the others we serve.

This holiday season, I ask that you donate in honor of Brenda and the others like her that we serve daily. When you donate any amount, collectively, we make a huge difference.

Your donation will help us continue the good work that we do. Any amount makes a difference. Collectively, we can do great things