Joan Irene Brenes

BRENES Joan Irene Brenes, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on June 30, 2007 in Tyler, Texas at the age of 74. She was born February 17, 1933 in Mexico City to American parents working in Mexico, who later moved back to New York City until 1942 when the family moved to New Orleans. Living in the French Quarter as a child she became a promising artist, having a one-man show at the age of 11. She loved the unique culture of New Orleans and would not have thought to leave except through the misfortunes of Hurricane Katrina. She was involved with all facets of dog behavior, devoting her life to the breeding, showing, judging and all types of training for both commercial and companion purposes. She founded the Great Dane Club of Louisiana and was a pioneer in the use of dogs for termite detection. Newpapers, trade journals, magazines and television have acknowledged her expertise throughout her career. She received the Will-Judy Publishing Company Dog World Award for Outstanding Service to Dogs. She was preceded in death by her parents, Segundo Brenes-Navarro and Sophia van der Gaast Brenes-Navarro. Survivors include her sister, Karon Brenes Broadbent and husband John Broadbent. She will be entombed at Hope Mausoleum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Memorial Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the ASPCA.