Brenda Buckley

You were a very good friend Brenda. I have missed you over all these years. You were the type of person we all wish we had more friends like.

It's funny, yesterday I saw our Festival of Nations video from so many years ago. Of to the side of the stage, there was Brenda, clapping her hands. I learned that she passed the next day.

Brenda-
You were such a fantastic teacher. You made me want to be a better dancer with you enthusiasm. I remember every performance, every practice, every lesson, because you made them memorable. I remember the first time I met you was at St. Patrick's Day, and you looked right at me and told me to remember to cross my feet. I was just thinking of starting dancing again, but now I don't know if I ever will. I know that I will never look at fairy dust, my feis medals, or my dancing shoes the same way again.
Thank you so much. I will miss you.

I will always be grateful for the privilege of having had such an incredibly gifted and inspirational teacher. Thank you for sharing your joy and wisdom.

Brenda, my friend. Halos are shiny things.
Kara

God Bless you Brenda - always a smiling face and positive attitude. Our sincere condolences to the family... cherish the wonderful memories!

My deepest sympathy sent to Brenda's family. Brenda, I am really going to miss your upbeat attitude and smiling face.

May you be in Heaven and teaching Irish dance! You were a joy to know and I am glad to have known you!

To the woman who thought I could be one of the best, and who still believed in me after I left. I wish I knew what words to use to express my sorrow at your passing, Brenda. Farewell.

To dearest Brenda, cant stop thinking about you, you will be missed for sure. You are such a gentle kind soul. Best wishes to the family & all dancers & parents

To dearest Brenda, cant stop thinking about you, you will be missed for sure. You are such a gentle kind soul. Best wishes to the family & all dancers & parents

A short life filled to the brim. I knew her well at Lincoln High. Our moms worked together for a time cooking at The Welch Center in West Duluth. She was funny and sweet as a kid. From what I have read, she did not change much except perhaps to have gained traction and accomplish much. May her memory comfort all.

Let us play all the Great Irish Laments for Brenda. We are poorer that she is gone.
John and I were blessed to see Brenda teaching our Grandson, Owen, Irish dance. We have rarely seen anything like her joyous passion for teaching something she loved. And her smile was luminous.

To Brenda, her family and her friends:

May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever. Grant you peace, perfect peace. Success in every endeavor. Lift up your eyes and see his face, and his grace surround you. May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

Have a feeling Brenda would have liked this poem . . .

Bits and Pieces

Bits and pieces, bits and pieces. People. People important to you, People unimportant to you cross your life, touch it with love and move on. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of relief and wonder why you ever came into contact with them. There are people who leave you, and you breathe a sigh of remorse and wonder why they had to go and leave such a gaping hole. Children leave parents, friends leave friends. Acquaintances move on. People change homes. People grow apart. Enemies hate and move on. Friends love and move on. You think of the many people who have moved in and out of your hazy memory. You look at those present and wonder. I believe in god's master plan in lives. He moves people in and out of each other's lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have ever touched your life. You are more because of them, and would be less if they had not touched you. Pray that you accept the bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question and never regret's. Bit's and pieces, bits and pieces.

-Anonymous

Our deepest sympathy go out to Brenda's family and friends.
She touched so many lives and will remain in our hearts and memories for ever!
The Dietzsch family

Brenda and I went to school together in Esko, MN. She had an incredible and sometime mischievous sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and those who were close to her.

Your impact was immense. Your spirit for life will go on and on. You will be with us always.

For Brenda <3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o37b5GhmJx0

Our hearts sank when we found out about Brenda's passing. I know we will miss her kind soul and cheerful attitude. I always left Dr. Ewert's office smiling and reflecting on my visit with her, conversations that consisted of her talking and me trying to answer through various stages of polishing, squirts of water, suction, and flossing.
It is clear to see that she touched not only us, but so many people in a positive and meaningful way.

Brenda, you helped share your love of Irish dance with my daughter.

My sympathy is with your family, friends, and students alike.

We are so sorry to hear about Brenda's death. We will miss her wonderful smile and warm greetings at Irish events. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this very sad time!

My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Brenda, I was a classmate of Brenda's from Esko way back when!! She was always so happy and friendly and ready to help in any way. May God wrap His loving arms around you all now as you grieve. God has Brenda now and she is SO happy! Donna Oesterreich

That one night at dance I will never forget, when you told us to "lick the conveyor belt of life." It's clear you followed this advice, and lived without fear of the foul things those conveyor belts can sometimes carry. Thank you for sharing with me your love of dance.

You will be greatly missed! Even during the craziest times at Scoil na dTri, you were nothing but kind, poised and organized. Some of my best memories in life are taking lessons from you.

Brenda believed in creating beauty and bringing our wildest visions to life. I am forever greatful for her help and encouragement to bring my vision to the stage. She has my undieing respect as a fellow wonderer in the 5th Province.

First I have to say Brenda Buckley knew how to give a proper hug and always a big smile for you. Our daughter liz who been with Scoil na d'Tri for ten plus years, Dancing weekly at Oddfellows and the Performing Arts Center, we would wait and wait and wait to hear the latest 'Brenda-isms'. We have great memories of our daughter dancing.
Brenda was a truly kind and gifted teacher. Brenda had a great respect for her and recognized her sincere passion for life.
Brenda has gone ahead to a place where she is will be forever young, forever fit and forever beautiful. The angels have a new dancing member. May God hold her in the palm of his hand.
I feel my life has been enriched by her, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to talk with such a wonderful soul and inspiration.

Our deepest sympathies to Brenda's family and friends.

Thank you Brenda. For everything. You are missed.

To Brenda's family and friends,
I knew Brenda mostly from playing music to her Irish dancing and most of all from a weekend excursion to Michigan with Macha Tri for a Bliss Festival some years ago. It was such a delight to be in her company. She was a caring and thoughtful soul and was a person who was not afraid to show it. May the angels lead her into paradise - stepping highly as they go!

I'll miss you Little Girl.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brenda's spirit will remain with us as we continue to dance and kick butt.

I had the very great privilege of getting to know Brenda while my three children were members of Scoil na dTri, and later as a member of the organizing committee for the Minnesota Feis for several years. She was always the calm in the eye of the storm. We traded lots of emails regarding a wide variety of topics over the years, sometimes about a scheduling issue or some other little problem, and her emails almost always ended with "No worries, Kevin!"

I never figured out if she didn't really worry much about ANYTHING, or if she was just too strong and independent to let her troubles show. Either way, she radiated a special kind of self-confidence that inspired the same in others, and will continue to do so whenever we think of her -- which will be often.

As much as I will miss her, I take some comfort in the fact that whatever hardships Fate sent her way are now behind her. The sense of peace that always seemed to surround her is now eternal.

No worries, Brenda.

-Kevin Carroll & Maureen Kelly-Carroll, and Norah, Connor and Shannon Carroll

These are the words of George Bernard Shaw (Irish Playwright and Essayist, 1856-1950), although they could just as well have been Brenda's:

"My life belongs to the whole community...the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no 'brief candle' to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

I just learned of Brenda's passing. I worked with her years ago when she and her dancers brought amazing energy and vision to two productions of The Christmas Revels. She will be dearly missed. My condolences to her family and many loved ones and friends.

Thoughts at the Wake

Precision, grace and power,
sometimes vied with sorrow and strife;
But the family tree kept growing
From its roots in Brenda's life.
Seasons passed; applause for "Family Reel"
crescendoed every show,
While the littlest ones grew older
and became the tallest row.
She had to travel, far too soon,
to a stage we can't yet see;
Now grieve we all together,
generations of Scoil na dTri.
And remember, though we part or meet,
Wherever we may be,
All our branches and bright flowers,
Stem from this “Reel Family.”

Brenda,
I will never forget our pre-competition saying:

You are a great champion. When you danced the stage shook, the sky opened, and mere mortals parted. Parted the way to victory where you'll meet me at the podium and I'll place a crown on your head, a sash around your shoulders, and a boquet of flowers in your arms. <3

Thank you, Brenda, for believing in me even when I did not believe in myself. You are the reason I kept going. I love you.

It is hard to imagine Anna and I won't go to Brenda's Friday classes anymore. It was such a great privilege to have a teacher like her.
Brenda, thank you for letting me dance with my daughter Anna. You knew it meant the world to me.
We both miss you dearly.
Love,
Lenka & Anna

Sue, I was so sorry to read about the passing of your sister-in-law. I'm thinking about you and your family.

Susie Tynjala

Brenda has been a mentor, inspiration, coach, friend, sparkle in my life since I set foot into Oddfellows ten years ago. She has had such an impact on my life, I find it hard to wrap around the idea that her insight and smile will now be carried in memories.

Brenda you are a blessing in my life, not only will I forever teach dance with gum in my mouth, and a jar of fairy dust in my hand...I only hope that I can carry on a fraction of the inspiration, joy and passion for dance within me and to my dancers that you have to so so many. Thank you for teaching me to be an unconditional champion, thank you for sticking with me--for seeing the success and champion within each one of us. I love you.

I was in total shock hearing the news that Brenda, my best friend since kindergarten had passed away. Brenda had all the qualities of a best friend. She was loving, supportive, compassionate, trustworthy, a good listener, and always gave great philosophical advice. I loved her wittiness. She always knew how to make me laugh. She truly was genuine. Even though we went without talking for long periods of time, because of our individual busy lifestyles, we were still able to maintain our friendship. Each time we would see each other, it seemed like just yesterday...nothing had changed. Brenda gave me one of the greatest gift of all...the gift of true friendship for life. I am thankful to God for blessing me with my "best friend" throughout the years. She has touched my life as well as many, many others.

Brenda, I’m so-o-o-o proud of all your accomplishments. Thanks for being such an inspiration to me and all who knew you, and shared your great talents. I will greatly miss you, but will always cherish all of our sweet memories we shared, and your gentle smile.
Love you!!!
Deb

To Rob, Elsie (my second mom), Dan, Sue & family - “Though we know heaven has welcomed a very special person, our hearts still feel the sorrow.” Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With our deepest sympathy,
Debbie, Corky, Justin, Jamie, & Lacey

Brenda was just one of those beautiful people who touched the lives of all who knew her. The Irish dancing community has lost a great friend. I have adjudicated at the Twin City Feis for the past several years and Brenda 's smile, enthusiasm and love for her dancers was obvious.Having met many of the parents from Ard na Dtri and other volunteers at the feis this year it was easy to see how highly respected and loved Brenda was.
My deepest sympathy to her son Rob and all her family.
Bernadette Short

Even though the news of Brenda's death saddens us, memories of her wonderful, joyful teaching - which was about so much more than just dance - makes me smile even as I type this. She made each person she encountered feel valued and important. We will always be grateful for the gift of having known her.

Aunt Elsie and Cousin Dan:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Brenda was a wonderful spirit and gave to all.

The Board of Directors, Officers and Members of the North American Feis Commission expresses their condolences to Rob and the rest of Brenda's family. Brenda achieved so much in her relativly short time in Irish dancing. May she Rest in Peace

Rob, Bernadette & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. We were inspired by Brenda's dedication to her Irish dancing and the way she maintained the highest standards in class, and at the Feis were an inspiration to all.

To Brenda's Family and Friends,

Brenda to us was more than a teacher, she was an inspiration. She always made the girls believe in themselves. Her courage and grace fill us with wonderful memories.
To us she was like a Navajo Rug; beautifully balanced pattern with intentional imperfections to allow the Spirit to be free. May her Spirit now be free and may it rise up to meet us. Until we meet again May God hold her in the palm of his hand.

You bravely accepted our invitation to dance with us, and with you came those who have become our friends, our family. My heart soars with thankfulness that our paths have crossed. You will be remembered for the beauty you brought to our gathering. Not only the beauty in dance, but the spirit you brought with you.

We shall dance together again my friend. As we have danced in life. And I will work hard to keep my toes pointed, as you so often suggested.

I know you no longer need my words, so I shall pray for those you left behind. May they know the peace that you have brought to the lives of my family here in Iowa.

Till later my Sister
Ralph & Carol Moisa

Brenda, a piece of you will always live inside me, and I will let it SHINE! You changed my life and helped me find myself in difficult times. I love you and will miss you. Your smile will forever help me dive into unknown waters.
Love,
kathleen and the Michaels'

It was with great sadness that we heard of Brenda's passing. She lived her life well and taught many young kids to do the same. She will be missed.

Liam,Maeve and all at Irish on Grand

Our daughters' worlds were enriched with a life-time of memories and experience that continue to shape the young women they are becoming. You dared to live your dream-a powerful lesson for those you encountered. Our deepest sympathy to Rob and his family.
The Janc Family
Elk River, MN

Grieve for our loss but don't grieve for her passing. Brenda has gone ahead to a place where she is forever young, forever fit and forever beautiful. The angels are dancing and Brenda is counting them off.

My name is Steve and our daughter Emma who is now a junior in high school has been with Scoil na d'Tri since 2nd grade. We learned Saturday night about Brenda's passing away but somehow seeing the notice the other day about Brenda's death on the Star-Tribune site made it more real, more a fact for me. I think in the future should I happen to be driving by Oddfellows or the Performing Arts Center it will be a sweet and sad reminder of Brenda and of the many hours and many years that Emma spent at those places dancing and rehearsing and learning new steps under her direction.  At this point it is very difficult for me to imagine that the Brenda I knew and observed these past eight years-----exhorting the kids to do better, counting out the steps,  arranging and rearranging the dancers,  clapping along with the rhythms,  telling the dancers when they needed to improve,  applauding and telling them how good there were when they deserved it (and sometimes just when they needed a morale boost), her vibrant, no-nonsense personality,  her always taking the time to patiently answer my sometimes anxious questions even when she was busy rehearsing her resonant,  easy, sometimes bawdy laughter when I would say something funny----it is hard for me to think that she---and with her Scoil na d'Tri----is now gone----that when Emma is away at college in a few years and perhaps no longer dancing she will not say to me some quiet Summer evening when she is home from school "Dad, since we'll be in Minneapolis tonight can we stop by the Performing Arts Center and see if Brenda and some of the kids I used to know are there?” I am however certain that for the rest of her life Emma will remember not only Brenda, not only the Irish Dance she learned from Brenda but the other lessons that I think Brenda taught her both explicitly and by example----the value of discipline and hard work and attention to detail, taking pride in yourself and what you can accomplish as a dancer; that many valuable things in life---whether dancing or most anything else-- begin as a dream, a wish, a hope and that with enough sweat and energy and concentration those dreams can become a reality. We will all miss her so very much. Steve G.

Ah, we could fill a book with all of the great "Brenda-isms" that came at just the right time to inspire, make us laugh, and keep her dancers going. And Brenda Buckley knew how to give a proper hug. Her legacy will live on, and on, and on.

Much love to Rob and all of Brenda's family.

Wuv you, Brenda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(She really liked exclamation points!)

Kate, Ken, Andy, Casey, Kelly, and Brownie

Brenda had a ferociously vibrant spirit, one that could not be contained. Dancing was a moment for setting that spirit free. She has shared that passion with so many of us, we are the dancers we are BECAUSE she fueled that passion, that love, that desire. Brenda taught me to never say "I can't" and to always reach for what I wanted, it was there, waiting to be had if only one reached for it. Brenda reached out to so many of us, my Irish dance world will never be the same without her, but she will go on, every time one of us dances, her light will shine through. My thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Brenda at this time of loss.

To Brenda's family and Scoil na dTri--
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

The Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance (Chicago, IL)

It just doesn't seem possible that I'll be going to dance events and not smiling at Brenda. She lit up every room she was ever in. Slan abhaile, mo chara!

-Suin Lowary

Brenda was a shining star in the Irish dance community and her legacy will be forever glowing upon us through her many friends and dancers whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed!

Brenda, thank you so much for all you've done ~ it was always so apparent it came from the heart of such a wonderful soul.

~ Lisa Conway and
the Irish Music & Dance Association

Life wouldn’t be the same without you and all the memories you have givin me. I will cherish your memory and never let it go.
GOD Bless you!
I Love you and miss you Everyday!!!

Brenda was my teacher, mentor, and friend, and was hugely influential in my teen years... her passion and enthusiasm for Irish dance, and the level of joy and excitement she brought to it was amazing! She instilled in me the idea that with hard work, dreams can come true - to never give up on your aspirations - and to always follow your hearts desire! This shaped me as a dancer, and remains with me as an adult... thank you Brenda for all you did for my sisters and I. You made dance so much fun! You will be missed by so many. Love and prayers to Rob and all of Brenda's family. With great love,

Fauna Gille

Brenda was one of the most encouraging, kind, and warm-heated people to have inspired my life. Words really can't explain the feeling that she was able to put into someone, giving them courage, self-confidence, and happiness. She was an inspirational person and a gift to be around. You will be missed Brenda.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with the Beeson and Buckley families and the larger Scoil na dTri family.

Brenda was my teacher, mentor, and friend and hugely influential in my teen years... her passion and enthusiasm for Irish dance, and the level of fun and excitement she brought to it was amazing! She instilled in me the idea that if you work for a dream, it can come true, and to never give up - never stop trying - never stop reaching for your hearts desire! This shaped me as a dancer, and is still with me as an adult... thank you Brenda for all you did for my sisters and I. You made dance so much fun! You will be missed by so many. Love and prayers to Rob and all of Brenda's family. With great love,

Fauna Gille

Our eyes bear a tear
As we wave our goodbye
May the clouds part before you
May the stars kiss your eyes

Memories of dear Brenda - special teacher, mentor and friend, will be with us forever.
Bill, Margie & Kealy O'Neill

Dear Brenda,
thank you for all your kindness, your support and your encouragement. We miss you dearly.

Brenda's words of wisdom will ring through our heads for the rest of our lives. An incredible woman and beloved teacher.....we will miss her, and NEVER forget her. Rob, you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.

I owe Brenda a great deal, not only because of her dedication to her students, but also because of her generosity and forgiveness. I wish I would have thanked her profusely. Brenda's example redefined my idea of friendship.

Brenda, thank you for always believing in me, never letting me indulge in why I could not achieve something and for reminding me that dance only has beauty when it is from the heart. Thank you for the "family" you created for your dancers and the love and inspiration you gave to them all. It was an honor knowing you. I will miss your kind smile and try to always dance as though I am "on bubbles."

My prayers are with those you left behind.
~Karissa

It is with deep sadness that I write this message. I have been an agent for Brenda and her students at Scoil na Dtri for 8 years. In that time I went from a business working relationship to feeling as if they were all family. Brenda talked highly of her students. Never once did I hear her raise her voice to student or parent while in the public realm. Professional, friendly, having high expectations,caring...words that come to mind. The last time I saw Brenda in person was at the Itasca County Fair in Grand Rapids, MN. She greeted me with a warm hug, a smile, and a whisper of hope over her ordeal. I recall how she gleamed while watching the girls perform. The pride she had when the gals were 'right-on'...the motherly figure she presented as she helped set up and gave instructions. This will be the memory I will hold in my heart of her. God Bless you all who were touched by Brenda...may her energy be triggered within you each time you recall her in the future.

Brenda has left such a legacy and shaped so many dancers in the Twin Cities that she will never really be gone. Countless dancers love dancing because of her. Brenda's spirit, love of life, and never ending optimism will not be forgotten and she will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with Rob and his family.

Cindy, Steve and Katie Luisi

It was a pleasure to know Brenda - we have great memories of the years our daughters spent dancing with her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Perron Family
Forest Lake, Minnesota

Brenda represented the best that the Irish community has to offer. She was an integral part of so many events and celebrations that it is impossible to believe that she is gone. Brenda leaves us better people for knowing and working with her.
Jim and Mary McFarland Brooks
The Irish Gazette

Brenda, thank you for teaching me how to reach for the stars. You always had encouraging words to say and always pushed me to dance to my fullest. You have truly touched the lives of your dancers. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in His arms--where there is no pain. Love you and my prayers go out to your family and to everyone that you touched.

God Bless,
Joanna

Brenda's unfailing exuberance, encouragment, and support have shaped my life. She inspired us all to push beyond what we thought was possible. Most importantly, she believed in us, and convinced us to believe in ourselves. Saying she will be missed does not seem to say enough.

Brenda, you were so much a part of our lives...how can we ever say goodbye? Deepest sympathy,

Brenda, you were so much a part of our lives...how can we ever say goodbye? Deepest sympathy, The Kennys

Brenda, you were so much a part of our lives...how can we ever say goodbye? Deepest sympathy, The Kennys

I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Brenda for an article I wrote on Scoil na dTri. Though I only had spoke with her four or five times, I developed a great respect for her and recognized her sincere passion for life, for dance and for her beloved students.

I feel my life has been enriched by her, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to talk with such a wonderful soul and inspiration.

Sincerely,

Jackie Norris
Quality + Design writer
Angie's List Publication Department

Brenda's greatest gift to her students was daring them to believe in themselves to reach their wildest dreams. She never stopped believing in our Lisa nor any of the hundreds of dancers she taught over the years. This is her legacy. We will never forget you, Brenda. Love & prayers to Rob and family from Dave, Helen & Lisa Rickman

Our lives have changed from knowing Brenda and losing Brenda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God bless you and keep you.

Dear Family of Brenda,

This fine woman will be missed very much. She has been our dental hygenist for the past 15 years and we will always be grateful for her incredible knowledge mixed with tender care and compassion for all those whose lives she touched. May God grant her eternal rest in our Lord and may her family find peace and comfort.

We , The Mpls St Patrick's Day Assoc. send our deepest sympathies to Brenda's family and thank you for sharing such a beuatiful and thoughtful lady with all of us. She was always there for us whenever called on to put a one terrific show. It also showed in the great respect all of her dancers and teachers had for her.
She will be greatly missed.
Mpls.St Patrick's Day Assoc.
Sean and Judy Clerkin

Our deepest sympathies go out to Brenda's family. She is well-loved and will be sorely missed. Kim, Braena and Emilea Sykes

"Death leaves a hurt no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." Unknown

You touched and shaped so many lives. You will be missed.

The Mulholland Cerkvenik's - Steve, Ann, Sofia, Mary, Frankie and Ruth

I still can't believe she's gone. She was the reason I am the woman I am today. I owe her so much. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family, friends, and her cherished dancers. Brenda, you will be missed. Thank you for teaching me to dance with my feet and more importantly my heart. Rest in peace. We love you - the Wills family.

Our deepest sympathies to Brenda's family and friends. Brenda was a truly kind and gifted teacher. Her students will continue to benefit from her enthusiasm and many talents for years to come.

Fiona, Karen and David McKenna

Aunt Elsie & Cousin Dan, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always cherish my memories of the summer Brenda spent with me at the lake in Minnesota. Love to you all,

Brenda made a HUGE impact on so many lives--ours included. Prayers go out to you, Rob, and the rest of your family.

Our prayers go out to all of Brenda's family and friends. We have so many fond memories from our days in Irish Dance.

Thor, Sue and Torre Stangebye

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. May God bless each of you.

Elmer and Jo Guenthner
Chris and Vicky Guenthner

Our deepest sympathies go out to Brenda's family. We will all cherish her memory.

Fitz, Caitlin, and Bryan Cashman