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A Special Tribute for Brenda Rugebregt-Burns

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Brenda Rugebregt-Burns

In Loving Memory of Brenda Joyce Rugebregt-Burns
February 10, 1960 – July 16, 2025

Brenda Joyce Rugebregt-Burns passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in San Jose, California, surrounded by her immediate family. She was 65 years old.

Brenda was born on February 10, 1960, in Utrecht, Netherlands, to Johannes and Kitty Rugebregt. At the tender age of two, she and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Redwood City, California. Eventually, San Jose became her lifelong home, where she grew up attending Morrill Middle School and graduated from Piedmont Hills High School.

On June 9, 1984, Brenda married the love of her life, Kirt Burns. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love. In 1986, they welcomed their cherished daughter, Kirtina, who would become the heart of Brenda’s world.

A dedicated professional, Brenda worked for over 25 years at Intertrust Technologies, where she served as the Executive Administrative Assistant. Her strength, dependability, and sharp sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who worked with her.

Brenda’s greatest joy came from caring for others. She had a deep love for cooking and made sure no one ever left her home hungry. Her vibrant energy came alive near the water — whether swimming, spending time at the beach, or dancing hula. She found peace in her backyard garden and magic in the holiday season. But above all, Brenda treasured her family, especially her beloved granddaughters, Olivia and Sophia, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Kitty (Frantzmann) Rugebregt. She is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Kirt Burns; her daughter, Kirtina Ocampo, and son-in-law, Ashton Ocampo; her precious granddaughters, Olivia and Sophia; her father, Johannes Rugebregt; her sister, Sandra Rasmussen, and brother-in-laws John, Don and Malcom, sister-in-laws, Linda and Julie, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Brenda’s love, warmth, and spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion, family devotion, and joy will never be forgotten.

Brenda recently lost their fight against kidney disease and we created this page in her memory.

It can be overwhelming to cope with a kidney disease diagnosis, the journey is often long and difficult. NKF is a source of hope and comfort for families like mine – a place to turn in their darkest hour.

Please consider making a special gift to help us remember Brenda and support a cause that’s close to our heart. Together we can ensure that others won’t have to suffer.

Your generosity will fund the fight to:
- Expand access to home dialysis and kidney transplants for all Americans.
- Increase funding for kidney disease research
-Identify and eliminate kidney health disparities

Every gift, no matter how small, is meaningful to me and will ensure that their legacy can live on in this important work. I would be so grateful for your support to help fight kidney disease.

Thank you.

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