Obituary: Brenda Gayle Green (Nov. 22, 1953 – Oct. 12, 2011)

Brenda Gayle Green passed away peacefully on October 12, 2011, surrounded by her beloved family after a short battle with lymphoma. 

Brenda was known for her warm welcoming smile, sense of humor, and her laugh could brighten a room.

She is survived by her mother, Betty J. Green, brother John D. Green and wife Wanda, sons David Leroy Gensaw, Brendan William Gensaw and girlfriend Stephanie J. Depee-Huff, who was  Brenda’s angel. Grandsons Tanner Grizzly Gensaw, William Me-Kwin Gensaw and Walker Ta-Gush-Ne Gensaw, nieces Lawanda Quinnell and husband Matt, Betty Toscano and husband Pedro, nephew Johnny Green Jr., aunt and uncle Viola and Bill Richards, great-aunt Eunice Bommelyn and numerous great nieces, great nephews, cousins and extended family.

Brenda was born on November 22, 1953, to John and Betty Green in Crescent City. She was a lifelong resident of Crescent City, attending local schools and graduating from Del Norte High School in 1971. She continued her education at Humboldt State University for a short time. Brenda returned to Crescent City and married David Gensaw, having her two sons, whom she cherished.

Brenda was employed with N.I.C.E., a Native American program, Eureka fisheries, Elk Valley Rancheria, serving on the tribal council from 1986 until 2000. Brenda lived out the remainder of her life caring for her grandsons, whom she adored. Brenda had a great love for plants, nature, flowers, friends, family and her bird Lovie. She also enjoyed the time she spent visiting with her mother at the Elk Valley Casino. Brenda was very active and an asset to the tribal Shaker Church and was well known for her candle reading ability. In her younger years she enjoyed participating in ceremonial dances and cultural events within and outside her tribe.

She was preceded in death by her father John Green in 1982, grandmother Laura Scott in 1981 and infant son Jordan Louis Lara-Green May 3, 1991.

Services will be held Monday, October 17, 2011, at 1 p.m. at the Indian Shaker Church in Smith River with interment to follow at Elk Valley Rancheria Cemetery located off of Howland Hill Road in Crescent City. A potluck celebration of life for everyone that knew and loved Brenda as we all do will be held at the Elk Valley Rancheria following services.

  Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.

— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel