Brenda Frances Hintzen

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Brenda Frances Hintzen (née Holland) on November 18, 2025, in Barrie, Ontario. She was 86 years old, and her long and remarkable life began in Watford, England, where she was born on November 14, 1939. 

Brenda grew up during the Second World War. One of her earliest memories, which she often retold, was being pulled under a table by a teacher after she had walked to school without knowing that British and German fighter planes battled overhead. She also fondly recalled seeing the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II passing by in London during the coronation celebrations in 1953.

She was the daughter of Alan Holland and Mary Zilpah Davies, and the sister of Alan and Anthony, all of whom predeceased her. In 1967, Brenda moved to Canada with her young family. She was the loving mother of Richard, Fay, Paul (who passed away as a young child), and Jacqueline, whom she raised with devotion after her marriage was dissolved.

Brenda and her family lived in Saskatchewan, Vancouver, Toronto and Brampton before settling in Barrie in 1992, where she spent the remainder of her life.

She was a loving grandmother to Amanda, Michelle, Cynthia, Jacqline, Samantha, Andre, Andrew, and Nicole, each one holding a special place in her heart.

Later, her family grew further with her cherished great-grandchildren: Alivia, Rose, Eve, Jacob, Lily, and Valentina. Brenda was also delighted to learn that she would become a great-grandmother for the seventh time in early 2026.

In her later years, Brenda still embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved to travel and was especially proud of visiting Machu Picchu in Peru in her 70s. She also travelled to England, Mexico, Italy, and Las Vegas, always returning with lots of stories and souvenirs.

After retiring, she volunteered at Royal Victoria Hospital, where she served coffee and tea and offered kindness to patients and staff alike. Brenda was also a member of the Barrie British Club, where she enjoyed outings, parties, and the company of others who were from England or who shared her affection for it.

Her grandchildren remember her as the grandmother who said yes to everything fun. They recall running endlessly through her big house on Grove Street, eating ice cream and strawberries for breakfast, and stopping at every garage sale to look for giant toys, the kind she insisted no child should ever have to leave behind.

Brenda will be remembered for her generosity and her strength. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and who will carry her spirit in their stories, traditions, and memories.