Brenda Lillie Partain

With heavy hearts yet warm memories, we announce the passing of our beloved Brenda Lillie Partain, who departed this world on May 15, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Washington D.C. during World War II, Brenda was the oldest of six spirited siblings. She was a strong-willed woman with firm beliefs. She was known to be very caring and respectful of other beliefs and opinions. Brenda cherished her childhood memories of growing up amidst the backdrop of war, where her family grew a victory garden, which was where she developed her love of gardening. She also participated in community efforts that fostered a spirit of camaraderie, shaping her generous heart. Brenda remembered walking around the neighborhood with her father to make sure that all the neighbors had blacked out their windows in case of air attacks; plus, she and her dad collected aluminum for the war effort. Despite growing up during the war, she had very many happy memories from childhood. Her father had an aviary in their house where they raised parakeets, plus they had a bottling machine so her family would make root beer. Brenda helped to create an atmosphere of warmth and love, something that she continued to do for her entire life. Brenda graduated from McKinley Technical High School in Washington DC. She graduated in only 2 years at the age of 16. She then spent a year working at the National Bank of Washington in DuPont Circle before attending the University of Virginia Nursing School, where she graduated in 1959, becoming a registered nurse. Brenda Jane Lillie married Dr. Robert Abner Partain III on November 12, 1960, at Fort Lee, Virginia and they were happily married for over 50 years. At Fort Lee they had their first son, Robert Abner Partain IV, on May 11, 1963. In 1967, when Bob and Brenda moved to San Antonio, Texas, they had their 2nd son, Geoffrey James Partain, on November 1, 1967. A devoted housewife, Brenda poured her heart into nurturing her family, especially her two sons, Bobby and Geoff. Later in her life she cherished her granddaughters, who proudly call themselves “The Bamba Squad.” Bamba was the name that her mother was called by her grandsons, so Brenda adopted it for herself when she had her 4 granddaughters. Her capacity for kindness shone brightest in her interactions with children. Furthermore, she always took the side of the underdog, supporting those in need with unwavering compassion. Brenda's zest for life was mirrored in her passions. Whether tending to her lush garden, sharing laughter over Woody Allen movies, or dancing with her beloved husband, Brenda embraced every moment intensely. She also enjoyed singing and was a choir member in the many churches she attended. Brenda cherished being at her family’s house in Canyon Lake, TX. She also loved visiting Big Bend National Park, Texas between Christmas and New Year’s Day for many years. Brenda was an avid fan of choral music as well as jazz. She enjoyed listening to famous choral groups, like the Westminster Abbey Choir, and was particularly fond of Ella Fitzgerald and Vince Guaraldi. Brenda shared a remarkable marriage with Robert, who left us in 2010. She leaves behind a legacy marked by love of music, as well as passion for the arts. Doctor and Mrs. Partain continuously attended numerous performances of the San Antonio Symphony and cheered on the San Antonio Spurs as season ticket holders from 1976 through 1999. A true patron of the arts, Brenda supported local symphonic endeavors and lent her time to many charitable causes, especially the Honduras Manos de Dios Mission, which provides scholarships for children of Honduras to go to trade school, high school, and college. Brenda regularly contributed to the San Antonio Youth Symphony as well as the San Antonio Symphony, all while gathering friends and family around her for laughter-filled fundraising events. Her creativity blossomed through her love of modern art and her appreciation for colors brought beauty to her life. Brenda was a devout Episcopalian. She regularly attended church in San Antonio for over 50 years and was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and Christ Episcopal Church. She served as a vestry member at St. Lukes for many years and was a devoted member of the choir at all 3 churches. When Brenda moved to Plano and was unable to attend services in person due to her physical limitations, she continued attending church services virtually and would also participate in services at the Assisted Living facility at the Legacy at Willow Bend. A supporter of the Jewish community at the Legacy, Brenda would also attend Jewish ceremonies there when she was able. Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Robert A. Partain III. She leaves behind her sons & their wives to celebrate her memory: Robert A. Partain IV and his wife, Elizabeth Pasini Partain and Geoffrey James Partain and his wife Mika Tsubakiyama Partain. Brenda has 4 beloved granddaughters: Veronica Isabel Partain, Lena Camille Partain, Cecilia Anne Partain and Lisa Lillie Partain. A memorial service will be held for Brenda Jane Lillie Partain on Friday, June 6, 2025, 11 AM at Christ Episcopal Church (Bishops Chapel) 510 Belknap PL. San Antonio, TX 78212 In lieu of flowers or other memorial gifts, our family asks any donations to be made to the Honduras Mano de Dios from the link below: https://www.manoshonduras.com/ As we reminisce about the joy, love, and laughter she brought into our lives, let us gather to share stories, lift our voices, and celebrate the spirit of Brenda—a woman who truly lived life to the fullest. May her memory bring us comfort and inspire us to carry her legacy of kindness, joy, and unwavering support for one another.

Brenda Lillie Partain

August 9, 1938 - May 15, 2025