K. Brendi Poppel

K. Brendi Poppel was born Karen Schlitsky on July 17, 1948, to concentration camp survivors who were forced to give her up for adoption at four months old. She was adopted by William and Sarah Poppel and grew up in Bayside, New York. She graduated Cornell University and worked at Harvard. Brendi moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1988 and found her true home and place in life.

Though she worked part time with adults with developmental disabilities, she mainly devoted herself to the creative arts—music, painting and her poetry. Recognized by many for her inspiring, spiritual, and often humorous poetry, she was described by Alice San Andres-Calleja, The Mesa paper’s Editor-In-Chief as the “Poet of the Mesa”. She inspired us all with her unique gifts which she shared so freely.

In the autumn of her life she found her life partner, Sunny Schneider. He lovingly supported her through the whole process of her painful illness and departure, which she traversed with great dignity and a touching courageous faith. Brendi was one of those persons whom many regarded as a “great soul.” Her life path was marked by deep devotion to the pursuit of her relationship with God.

She will be missed by her partner, her loved ones, her Urantia family, her colleagues at the gym, and the countless fans of her wonderful creations.

A memorial will be held on July 17, 2019 at Unity Church Santa Barbara, 227 E Arrellega St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

To see videos and photos of Brendi’s art and poetry go to www.Brendi.org

A poem from Brendi:

Welcoming you, dear lord, please see me through

Times of joy and sorrow, give me hope for tomorrow

In your light I shine, for you are divine And I am glorified as you permeate my heart, mind and soul

For you are holy and in you I am whole

Growing Godward is my choice, in your glory I rejoice

For you fill me up with spiritual energy

And I am made more than I ever could be

As I walk with you into eternity…