Brittany Catherine Brook

July 7, 1995 – December 7, 2019

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Brittany on December 7, 2019 at the far-too-young age of 24 years.

Brittany is survived by her parents Terry and Jeannie (Kuypers) and twin sister Megan, her future husband Garrett Rattai and his family, her Grandma Bev and Grandpa Cliff and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues and fur friends. Brittany is predeceased by her Oma and Opa Kuypers and leaves this world with her dear friend, Aidan Kirby.

Brittany attended Birds Hill Elementary School and then River East Collegiate in Winnipeg.  She was always known for her quick wit, stellar grades, and studious ways.  After graduating high school in 2013, she went straight into her studies at the University of Manitoba where she graduated in June 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.  Brittany went on to pursue her Masters Degree in Animal Behaviour.  She was working on her thesis and was so proud to have finished collecting her samples for her study on dogs.  Brittany had just finished coding all of her data and was in the process of compiling and analyzing it to complete her complex and intricate study. She was passionate about her research, and she loved studying and working at the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

From a young age Brittany had a passion for all animals.  Her first pets were bunnies, alpacas, and dogs.  She had a kind heart for all animals and was a staunch supporter of rescue dogs.  She was especially proud of Boondox, the dog her and Garrett adopted to be part of their lives.  Brittany volunteered with D’Arcy’s Arc and other dog rescue organizations.  She loved spending time at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and at Deer Meadow Farms.  Brittany previously worked at Beausejour Animal Hospital and loved helping the veterinarians.  She was a part of many animal exams and births, and this experience inspired her to pursue her studies and career.

During her school years, Brittany excelled at many extra-curricular activities.  She and Megan were in dance, competitive horseback riding, and soccer for many years.  She continued to pursue her interests in art, dirt biking, fishing, camping, attending country music concerts, playing in the Whiteshell, volunteering, and traveling. 

Brittany was always up for an adventure. She rarely turned down an opportunity to do something potentially fun especially when it came to anything outdoors.  Brittany was always eager to go fishing, whether it was by boat, canoe, ice fishing, or cat fishing with Garrett on the Red River.  She was known to show up at an event in her red Jeep “Ruby” with clothes and gear for all occasions.  Britt was always ready.

In her short 24 years Brittany did a lot of living!  Most of her adventures were with Megan by her side.  The pair traveled together to places such as Ireland, Las Vegas, Mexico and Costa Rica. They had that special twin connection that is bigger than just sharing birthdays – they were truly best friends.  This past Halloween the girls decided to attend a party dressed up as the duo Patty and Selma from the Simpsons. They nailed this costume, as they did with all of the previous Halloween costumes. 

Not only did Brittany love her twin more than words, her love for her parents was just as strong. They were a close-knit family, and even quick calls from the grocery store ended in ‘I Love You’. Brittany was full of love – for family, friends, animals, and the planet. Love guided her.

In the summer of 2017, Brittany met her future husband Garrett, her “Lobster”. After a very short while the two were inseparable and the love they shared was obvious to everyone.  They shared an enthusiasm for nature and passion for animals, and they both loved travel and adventure.  They completed a scuba diving course together the following summer and became officially certified to have underwater adventures. Recently, Brittany and Garrett purchased a house together and were looking forward to making it their home.  They hosted a couple housewarming parties and started some renovations. Their life of adventure together was just starting and unfolding beautifully.

“Vivacious” isn’t a big enough word to describe Brittany. There doesn’t seem to be a big enough word to truly capture her spirit. She was a beautiful, amazing person with a larger than life personality. She brightened a room with her exuberance and animated story telling.  Her smile and prided beautiful long hair made her an envy, even though her heart was her most beautiful feature.  If anyone needed a hand, Brittany would drop everything, even if it meant sacrificing something of her own.  Brittany had a caring and helping heart, and her kindness and generosity will be missed.

The family would like to thank all of Brittany’s friends, her mentor at the University of Manitoba, past employers, former teachers and coaches, and all those who shaped Britt to be the person she was.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Health Sciences Centre.

https://www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca/ways-to-help/donate/ https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/support/ways-to-give/

A tribute to Brittany will take place Friday, December 20^th at 1:00 pm. at the Brokenhead River Community Hall, 320 Veterans Lane in Beausejour, MB.

Carpe Diem

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