Making her own sunshine
Chris and Brenda Djorup at a friend’s wedding in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in October 2022.
Brenda Djorup is the essence of the Proverbs phrase, a woman who is “clothed in strength and dignity.” Brenda has experienced loss probably more than most: her previous husband, three siblings and her son. Despite these tragedies, she loves life and gets up every day with hope for a joyful day.
With her gentle faith, Brenda has found peace and does what she can to make her own sunshine. She feels an inner light that comes from her late son, and it makes her happy. Brenda also finds hope and solace in her supportive family and friends, and she looks forward to a life with even more love, fulfillment and discovery.
“Grief changes you. In a positive way, it helps me understand others who are sad, in a way that I could not before,” explained Brenda. “I am a more supportive and better friend and I believe my purpose is to enjoy the beauty of this earth, my family and the people around me.”
Brenda said there is always hope and encourages others to lean on their friends and family in tough times.
A talented artist and pilot, Brenda is married to real estate developer Chris Djorup, who has adult twin boys. The Djorups celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary this March. They live in Hidden Pointe and have a 4-year-old goldendoodle.
Born in Coral Gables, Florida, Brenda cherished being near the water as she grew up. After landing a scholarship, she graduated from the University of Denver with a masters in psychology. Brenda became a teacher out of college, teaching third, fourth and fifth grades. During that time, she fell in love with Colorado’s majestic mountains.
Her daughter, Kim Hoover DeAllen, works for a nonprofit and lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and five children, Margaux, Knox, Nash, Wells and Yale.
Brenda’s late son Mark blessed her with two exceptional grandchildren: Bret, who lives in Colorado, and Havana, who lives in San Clemente, California.
Brenda and Chris love to travel. One of their happy places is Cabo San Lucas. Brenda also loves to ski and play golf. Earlier this year, she and her skiing friends got caught in a snowstorm on a bus in the Rockies and were stranded for 22 hours, making national news.
Also a master gardener, Brenda shared, “We appreciate all the visitors we have like the deer, bears, foxes and bobcats. We have a lush, beautiful garden with greenery everywhere, and it is very quiet in and around our neighborhood.”
Brenda has experienced much in her life. She concluded with this wisdom for others: “Have positive relationships in your life and continue to strengthen your good connections. Your best times with loved ones can never be taken away. Even in challenging times, it is love that sustains us. Remember how your loved ones lived, and not how they died. It is a gift.”
Brenda Djorup with her 4-year-old goldendoodle, who Brenda affectionaltely refers to as her “therapy dog.”
A watercolor painting by Brenda Djorup, who signs her artwork “Brenda Margot,” which is her first and middle name. This was inspired from her visit to Bruges, Belgium.
By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Brenda Djorup
