Octabrena Serra

Octabrena Hilda (Silin) Serra, 89, of Lone Jack, formerly of London, England, was born August 22, 1925, in Charlton, London, the daughter of Peter Oska and Hilda Amelia (Bearman) Silin. She departed this life, Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at her daughter's home near Lone Jack, Missouri, surrounded with love and family.

On April 16, 1949, Brena was united in marriage to Boris Esmond Collingwood in Brommley, Kent, England.

As a young girl Brena attended the Catford School in England. Her family owned three nursing homes where she learned her nursing skills; later she lied about her age and joined in the War effort as a nurse. Following the war she moved to Marbella, Spain, where she opened a school; teaching there for many years, as well as serving as a Tour Guide. She even learned to fly and had her own pilot's license.

She loved nature and was fond of long walks in the English country side and along England's beaches. She was very good natured and loved to visit with anyone regardless of creed, class, or the color of their skin.

After numerous visits to her daughter's home in the United States, Brena moved to Lone Jack in 2001. In 2008 she changed her citizenship and after graduating in the largest Naturalization Ceremony in the KC area, she was a featured guest on the local news network for that event.

Brena was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by two daughters, Ruth (and Wally) Branham and Claire Collingwood, of Lone Jack; one grandson, Marc Branham of Leawood, Kansas; one cousin Hylton Beaman of Romania; and a host of many friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

A celebration of her life was held Saturday, August 29, 2015, at the Hope United Methodist Church, Lone Jack. Pastor Creighton Cox, minister of the church officiated. Visititation was held one hour prior to the service.

Proper High Tea was served promptly at 4:00 p.m. and all in attendance were invited to stay.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Crossroads Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.