Brenda Golubski

Brenda Boyd Rentz Golubski, a vibrant and outgoing educator, child advocate, sports fan, and world traveler whose life was rich with friendships, fellowship, and community service, passed away on July 29, 2025, in Waco, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Dayspring Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 7. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Master Naturalist (The Heart of Texas Chapter) in Brenda’s memory.

Brenda was the youngest of five children and grew up on her father’s dairy farm in Bosqueville. Her early years were filled with memories of tending to Jersey and Holstein cattle, pigs, chickens, and the family garden, as well as playful moments with her twin sister Linda.

Brenda’s passion for learning led her to North Texas State University, where she earned a B.S. in English, mathematics, and journalism, with a focus on Secondary Education. She later obtained an M.A. in Educational Administration from Sacramento State University. Her 37-year career in education was marked by diverse roles, including teaching English and journalism, serving as a kindergarten teacher, junior high educator, principal, assistant superintendent, and negotiator for both teachers’ unions and management.

After marrying her husband, Ted Golubski in Bosqueville, Brenda moved to California, where they raised their four children, Kathy, Warren, Robert and Roger. Kathy became an avid gardener, selling produce at the Vacaville farmers’ market, while Warren pursued a career in IT. Tragically, Brenda’s husband passed away in a car accident in 1988. Following her retirement, Brenda embarked on years of travel, immersing herself in cultures across Paris, France, New York City, China, Australia, New Zealand, Eastern Europe, Israel, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Upon returning to Bosqueville, Brenda built a home on her family’s land and was joined by her niece, Cheryl, from Seattle. A dedicated gardener, Brenda joined a variety of local organizations: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Gospel Cafe as the hotdog lady, McLennan County Master Gardeners, Dayspring Lectionary Breakfast, Dayspring Lunch Bunch, Really Somethings, HOT Master Naturalists, Texas Star Embroidery Guild, CTGS Genealogy Group, Neighbors and Newcomers, and Silver Sneakers. A gifted conversationalist, she had a way of making people feel instantly at ease by swapping stories, sharing laughs, or diving into thoughtful discussion. Brenda had a gift for sharing whether it was her time, a half-price book, a profound story, or a helping hand. Despite the challenges of Texas’ unpredictable weather, she was always the first to welcome a new friend to Waco.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband; her stepson, Roger Alva; her parents, Catherine and Albert Rentz; and her siblings: Albert Ward, Camelia, George Stanley, and Linda.

She is survived by her children, Dean (Pam), Kathy (Steve), Warren (Debbie), and her stepson, Robert (Carol), their families in Plano, Waco, and Sacramento; her nieces: Cheryl, Rebecca, Jennifer, and Catherine; and her nephews: Jason and Jeff. Her legacy of curiosity, kindness, and the breadth of her service and hospitality will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

We invite you to leave a message to the family or memory of Brenda in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.