Brenda Lea was a devoted “mum”, loving wife, beloved sister and dear friend. Brenda passed away peacefully at home in Catalina N.S.W. Australia, surrounded by her family, friends and her dog (Pip), who was forever at her side, on July 25, 2021. With great courage, Brenda fought pancreatic cancer head on and gained more time to build memories with her family. She was 48 years old.
Brenda was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 21,1972, to Don and Margaret (Rogers) Robertson. She graduated from Lone Tree High School in 1990 where she formed many lasting friendships. Throughout school, Brenda enjoyed many years of 4-H showing cattle and sheep and developing her love of photography. After high school she was employed as a dental receptionist and worked for the City of Iowa City and the Johnson County Extension Service.
At a young age, Brenda became infatuated with Australia and always dreamed of going there. After high school she spent six months in Australia through an FFA exchange program, working first on a sheep station followed by a dairy farm. Australia didn’t disappoint our Brenda. The easy-going nature of the local people and their upbeat way of looking at life, drew her in and it was there she found Phil, the love of her life. It was meant to be. They married on April 18, 1993, and had two boys, Dylan and Ryan, who became the center of their lives. She loved watching her three athletic guys play cricket and footie.
Brenda had her mother’s heart of gold. She was well known for taking in and caring for injured birds and orphaned joeys (baby kangaroos). When someone discovered a female kangaroo, hit on the highway with a joey in its pouch, they knew to call Brenda for her healing touch.
Before moving from Conargo to their current home in Catalina, she was the executive secretary for the CEO of the Murray River Irrigation District and also a substitute teacher at the Conargo School District.
She will always be remembered for her love of adventure in life, her thoughtfulness and kindness to others, her infectious smile, her wonderful way of telling stories of their lives in Australia, and her devotion to her family. The holes in our hearts can never be filled. Simply put, Brenda is irreplaceable.
Brenda is survived by her husband: Phillip; two boys: Dylan (19) and Ryan (14); siblings: Nancy Wilcox (Steve Kahl) of North Liberty, Iowa, Kenneth Robertson (Denise) of Corvallis, Oregon, Kathy Grout (Ron) of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Donna Ruth (Pat) of Iowa City, Iowa; nephews and nieces; and cousin: Mary Rogers of Kalona.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents: Joe and Bertha Rogers and Leo and Ruth Robertson; and parents-in-law: Noel and Jan Rotherham.
There will be a private memorial service in Australia for family and friends.
In memory of Brenda, her siblings are collecting contributions for Brenda and Phil’s sons, Dylan and Ryan. Condolences may be sent to Kathy Grout, 2958 Heron Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81504. Contributions may be included as a check payable to Kathy Grout. The money will be collected and wire transferred direct to Phil’s bank in Australia.
