Rene' Carolyn Brisendine
February 17, 1932 - November 19, 2018
Obituary
Rene’ Carolyn Brisendine (Flanders), 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 19, 2018 in Edmonds, Washington. Her Catholic faith brought her strength throughout her life and we know she is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rene’ was born to Francis and Bernice (Brown) Flanders in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 17, 1932. The family moved to San Diego when her dad took a job as a mechanic for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. during World War II. She met Jim Brisendine at a Christmas party for Pacific Electric and were married on May 29, 1952 in Las Vegas Nevada. Rene’ and Jim had three children, Rene’ Michelle, Russell James and Steven Lee.
In 1964, the family moved from El Cajon California to Granite Falls Minnesota. Rene’ worked as a bookkeeper for her Uncles Fred and Paul in their Napa Store and Dad started his own electrical contracting company, Falls Electric. In 1984, Mom and Dad moved to Seattle. Jim joined IBEW Local 46 and Rene’ became a member of the Swedish Ballard Hospital Auxiliary and was soon managing their gift shop, which she and her fellow volunteers turned into a success. The auxiliary, under Rene’s leadership, was able to donate thousands of dollars annually to the hospital for new equipment and they gifted numerous students with scholarships over the years. Rene’ loved the gift shop and the auxiliary members. She spent 25+ happy years with them. She also was the President of the Washington State Hospital Auxiliary, and travelled Washington for conventions and to meet with other auxiliary leaders.
Family was always Rene’s priority. She was a very giving and selfless woman, always looking out for those she loved. Her kindness and smile will be missed by all and life will not be the same without her.
Rene’ is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jim, daughter Rene’ Michelle (Bob) of Edmonds WA, son Steve (Jane) of Spicer Minnesota, eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Jaime), Jeremy (April), Cameron (Angela), Christopher, Becky (Andy), Stacy, James and Seth and great-grandchildren Sierra, Tyler, Tanner, Austin, Amelia, Brody and Ryker. Rene’ was preceded in death by son Russell Brisendine, her parents and brother Eddy Flanders.
There will be a funeral mass at St. Thomas More Parish in Lynnwood on November 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with interment immediately following at Holy Rood Cemetery in Shoreline. A reception will follow at the Sequoyah Condo Club House. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to honor Rene’ to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Our family is eternally grateful to Sunrise of Edmonds and Evergreen Health Hospice Care for their loving and compassionate care of Mom.
You left us in peace Mom, raised up on Eagle’s Wings and surrounded with our love
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. She will be greatly missed.
A beautiful woman with a beautiful family. I love them with all my heart. Gran will always be remembered and forever missed.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Aunt Rene will be missed by all of us so much.
Love you all
Barry & Donna
I’m so very sorry for your loss, losing those we love is the hardest thing we have to experience. May you find comfort in Jesus words “…the hour is coming where all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out…john 5:28, 29
May Rene (Gran) Rest in Peace. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
It was my great honor to meet and spend a few years with Rene through her selfless volunteer work at Swedish Ballard as she managed the Gift Shop through the auxiliary. Her leadership, along with an amazing group of women created both measurable and immeasurable gifts to the patients, staff and volunteers in Ballard and beyond. Rene was truly a gift to all who knew her. She was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.
Thoughts and prayers are with the Brisindine family. Rene was like a mom to me for several years. I have many fond memories spending much of my childhood around her and Jim. May she rest in peace.
Oce
Ma B as I called her the entire time I was around her. she was the kindest, sweetest lady you could ever know. she always made you feel welcome in there home or wherever you met them. I’m sorry for the loss and my prayers are with all who were touched by this lady. Rest in peace.
jeff & family
Rest in Peace Rene. Condolences to the family.
So blessed to know know you Rene! Knowing you are at peace and we have a new angle watching over us.
Much love to you and your family – Matt, Diane and family
May God Bless your family and keep your memories in your heart forever. Rene, you are a beautiful soul! You will be missed, thank you for being so special.
Love & Friendship always,
Gary, Sue & Brad