Brenda Colleen Hiraoka

Brenda Colleen Hiraoka, 71,  passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 after a three year fight against pancreatic cancer. Brenda was born on February 25, 1951 in Evanston, WY to Charles and Virgene Heward. After graduating from Evanston High School, she attended Weber State College and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a degree in Elementary Education.

Brenda married Wesley Hiraoka on April 14, 1973 at the Union Presbyterian Church in Evanston, WY. They initially resided in Honolulu before settling in Utah in 1975. Brenda was passionate about teaching and spent 36 years as an elementary school teacher in the Weber and Granite School Districts, with most of her career spent teaching 3^rd grade at Roosevelt Elementary in Washington Terrace. Throughout this time, she undoubtedly made an indelible impact on countless students and, later, some of her students' own children. Brenda and Wes were blessed with three loving children: son Hew (Army Lt. Col., Retired), and daughters Gina (PhD) and Shelley.

Brenda showed fondness for music, iced tea, Sudoku, and, above all else, connecting with family and friends. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ogden and was also involved with PEO for many years. Throughout her interactions with family, friends, congregation members, and colleagues, Brenda showed care, compassion, and love to those around her. She always wanted the best for others and the impact of her life will be carried forward by those fortunate to have interacted with her.

Her family would like to express gratitude for the love and care she received from numerous friends and healthcare professionals during the three years since her diagnosis.

Brenda is survived by her husband Wes, to whom she was married for 49 years, 8 months, and forever. She is also survived by brothers Robert (Sharon), Wisconsin, and Chuck (Barb), Oregon; son Hew (Liza), Lansing, Kansas; daughters Gina (Tom), Hewitt, Texas, and Shelley, Salt Lake City; four grandchildren (Leah, Matthew, Joseph, Ryan), one great-grandchild (Owen), and many cherished uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant son, Robert Mako Hiraoka.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, January 5^th at 1:00 pm at Leavitt’s Mortuary (836 36^th Street, Ogden UT). Interment at Washington Heights Memorial Park (4500 Washington Blvd., Ogden UT) following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or First Presbyterian Church of Ogden.