Brenda Joy Birn Knowles' Obituary
Brenda Joy Birn Knowles, 66 of Apollo Beach, Florida, passed away at home on January 6, 2014 after a brief struggle with cancer. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3pm on January 18th at Ruskin United Methodist Church. After the service, friends and family will be welcomed to her daughter’s home.
Brenda was born in Eustis, FL, on June 30, 1947. She graduated from Eustis High School, continued her education at Appalachian State University and the University of South Florida in Tampa. She then began her first career as a homemaker and raising three children. She was a devoted mother, sister and daughter, and gave everything she had to those she loved and especially her children.
In 1989, Brenda began working at the Shopper Observer News in Ruskin and continued there until her death. She started working at the Observer part time as a classified clerk, eventually advancing to be Publisher and Editor. She enjoyed her work immensely and had a never-ending passion for creating a newspaper that was relevant to the community and focused on the positive. While she was Publisher, the Observer won several industry awards. She truly enjoyed being a part of the South Shore community and volunteered on several boards and committees.
Her love for her work was only second to the love for her family. She is survived by her sisters Debbie Heath and Sandy and Roy Hawkins; son, Brian Scott and Shannon Knowles; daughters Brandy and Mike Evans and Chelsey and Mark Giurbino; ten grandchildren: Brooke, Avery, Allie, Brayden, Emerson, and Jace Knowles, Nick, Shelby and Mira Evans, and Madison Giurbino.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents June and Warren Birn and brother-in-law Roy Heath.
In lieu of flowers, Brenda would prefer that you make a donation to LifePath Hospice, Memorial Gift, 12470 Telecom Dr., Suite 400, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.
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