Brenda M. Quist

ALLEGANY — Brenda M. Quist, our spirited adventurous friend, beloved life partner, mother, sister, aunt and adoring Mimi (grandmother) passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at ECMC hospital, due to injuries sustained from a skiing accident.

Born in Erie, Pa. on Oct. 14, 1951, to the late Arnold and Madelyn Quist, they moved to Portville in 1958, where Brenda graduated from Portville Central School in 1969.

Brenda attended Albany State University majoring in mathematics and minoring in French, allowing her the opportunity to study abroad for a year in Nice, France.

After graduating in 1973 she spent a brief time in the French Peace Corps then returned to Nice, working as an Au Pair and backpacking through France and the United Kingdom. The freedom and adventure she loved.

She began teaching math in the Olean School District and received a master’s degree in counseling from St. Bonaventure University. In her 35 years of teaching, Brenda taught French in addition to math, served on several committees including as Ski Club advisor and French Club advisor, where she organized and chaperoned many trips with students to France, Quebec City and Montreal. After her retirement in 2011, she continued to substitute teach and privately tutor students in math and French.

Brenda married Lance Chaffee on Sept. 2, 1978, in an outdoor ceremony at her parent’s home.

A true outdoor enthusiast, in any weather you could find Brenda soaking in the fresh air and sunshine. She enjoyed motorcycle rides and kayaking with friends watching the moon rise over Red House and Cuba Lake. She and Lance spent many years camping in Canada and the Adirondacks, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, walking, bicycling and sailing in the warmer weather. A passionate gardener, Brenda lovingly cared for her many plants and flowers. Her gardens were a sight to behold.

To Brenda, life was an adventure! She loved to travel and enjoyed many family vacations to the Outer Banks and across New England. In retirement she and Lance took several Road Scholar trips to Portugal, Martinique, Venice, Switzerland and various places in Italy. She once traveled across the U.S. with her high school friend in her red Ford Maverick, sleeping on the way in a pup tent.

Brenda was blessed with so many dear friends. She delighted in social events, partaking in many gatherings, fundraisers, book clubs, discussion groups, shows at the Tri County Arts Council, SBU Basketball games and the many parties and dinners that followed.

Holidays with family were her favorite time. She cherished every minute she could spend with her family. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and savored every hug, every game, every activity she could play with them. They lit up her heart.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 47 years, Lance Chaffee; son, Logan Quist-Chaffee; daughter, Lindsay (Zachary) Horn; two amazing grandchildren, Templeton and Sara Horn; her sister, Melanie Wemmell; nieces, nephews and great-nephews; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lee and Smadar Chaffee.

She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Art Wemmell; and in-laws, Rupert and Onnalee Chaffee.

A life well lived but gone too soon. We will miss her always and hold her spirit in every family gathering.

There will be no prior viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Parish, 95 E Main St., Allegany. Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

Memorials or donations may be made to the Tri County Arts Council, the Olean Public Library, the Olean Food Pantry or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.