In Loving Memory Of Brenda Sestrap

Brenda Sestrap, a long time Islander, died suddenly on May 1st at Harborview Hospital. She had wonderful care there from both the hospital and Hospice nurses. She was surrounded by family and friends in her final hours. She was born in Seattle, grew up in Bellevue, went to Bellevue High School, then Western Washington University. There she met Steven Glass. They moved to Vashon in 1972, eventually separating but remaining good friends til the end. She married Gus Sestrap in 1977. They were married for 49 years. Asta, their only child was born in 1982. Asta & Lars Sternberg had their daughter Eva Sternberg, giving Gus & Brenda a beloved granddaughter.

Brenda was known by many in the real estate community, having owned a real estate appraisal company and worked with many in the construction business. She was respected as a very ethical appraisal agent. She helped design and build three houses on Vashon, all of them lovely to behold. She had a sense of style that was singular. She loved to entertain and was a fabulous cook. Many holidays, celebrations and fun parties were hosted in their beautiful home. She had a special knack for mentoring young people, employing them to help with animal care, landscaping and gardening, helping to instill a strong work ethic and to build self-esteem. After Gus retired, they moved to CleElum, bought a beautiful log home and lived there until Gus died just a year and a half ago. She then made many changes in her life; selling their home in CleElum, buying and remodeling a house on Vashon making a new home for herself, her two dogs, two kitties and two horses.

Brenda was always an animal lover and advocate. Reportedly, she got her first horse at age 6, and never went a day without a horse til the day she died. She loved dogs, cats, birds and bunnies, but above all horses. Brenda was happiest with reins in hand or boots in the barn. Horses saw themselves in her and she in them—kind and courageous, sensitive and strong, tender and tough. In her younger years, horses gave her adventure and found her dear friends. Her horse community was vast, stretching across state lines and into Canada through decades. After Gus died, horses kept her company and tried to heal her broken heart. Some people believe that we don’t choose horses, they choose us and Brenda was chosen by many special horses throughout her life. No doubt, they surround her now, delighted to have her home.

A memorial celebration will be held in the fall on Sat., Oct. 10th at Burton Hall.