Brenda Joyce "Brendita" Chapel

1944 - 2025

Brenda "Brendita" Joyce Chapel
10/24/1944 - 06/01/2025
Queen Ambassador of San Francisco
Brenda "Brendita" Joyce Chapel entered eternal life on June 1, 2025, at the age of 80.
Born in Osawatomie, Kansas on October 24, 1944, Brenda moved to Sacramento with her family as a young child. She later relocated to San Francisco, where she attended the Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design and began a full, dynamic life steeped in creativity, culture, and community.
In the 1960s her flair and charisma led her to success in retail, as a top salesperson at Roos Atkins, Lanz of Salzburg on Maiden Lane, and Overland Sheepskin Company. But it was her role as concierge at The Victorian Hotel that cemented her place as San Francisco's beloved insider and cultural guide.
Brendita had her finger on the pulse of everything new, exciting, and essential in San Francisco - from music and art to restaurants and events. Her catchphrase, "Girl, that was last week-and the drinks were fabulous!" became synonymous with her ever-evolving sense of what was hip and now.
She continued her concierge career with the San Francisco Visitor's Convention Bureau (SF Travel), forming lasting international connections. Her love of cooking took her to kitchens in Italy and Mexico, where she learned regional recipes from lifelong friends and discovering global food cultures long before the term "foodie" entered popular vocabulary.
Inspired by her Afro-Mexican roots through her step-grandfather, Brendita celebrated and preserved culture through her vibrant collections of Huichol art, rare books, folk textiles, and more. Her home was a living museum, filled with brightly colored walls, sunflowers, fruit, and stories - a joyful reflection of her spirited soul.
Brendita later founded Brendita's Latin Tours, taking guests on unforgettable culinary and cultural journeys through San Francisco - often before the world knew where to look.
She is survived by her cousins: Patricia and Fleming Baker, Elmer Edwards, Eddie Hunter, and countless friends the world over.
Celebration of Life
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Duggan's Funeral Service
3434 17th Street, San Francisco, CA