71, of Philadelphia, passed away on February 14, 2020.
Brenda grew up in New Hampshire and Bethesda, Maryland before settling in Philadelphia in 1978. A champion of education, she taught for the School District of Philadelphia for over thirty-five years across the city and at all grade levels. Brenda’s passion for education focused on reading and children’s literacy. Before retirement, she worked with young teachers as a literacy coach and was noted for her generosity, refusing to leave any classroom without ample books and supplies. After retirement, Brenda went on to travel the world touching every continent with recent stops in Iceland, England, India, Portugal, and South Africa all the while continuing to do volunteer tutoring between adventures. Brenda had a deep love for all things literature and a deep enthusiasm for the arts. She was an avid reader always eager to open a new book or to find a new art exhibit or theatre performance. She also was a skilled swimmer and scuba diver enjoying time at the Abington Fitness Club and diving in the Great Barrier Reef in 2018. She also had a passionate love for animals. Brenda spent a lot of time volunteering at the Philadelphia Zoo and served as a docent since 2014.
Brenda was known for her grace, kindness, generosity, and patience. Friends and family will always remember her beautiful blue eyes, infectious smile, compassionate spirit, and love of a glass of sauvignon blanc, preferably from New Zealand or South Africa.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father Frederick Forbes Sr. and Mother Virginia Major Forbes. She is survived by her loving children, Adam Fox (husband Chris), Gina Viola, Christina Viola, and Nicholas Viola (fiance Allie). As well as a brother and sister.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Brenda on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at the Philadelphia Zoo in the Shelly Administration Building from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free parking will be available on the premises in the Tiger Lot next to the Shelly Building. In lieu of flowers and remembrances, charitable donations may be made to the Imagination Library or the Philadelphia Zoo.
