Whether you knew Myra Brien from birth, in her childhood, as a young woman, wife, mother, sister, friend, workmate, in the congregation, or only as @5xbais, certain qualities stand out: her generosity, intelligence, humor and devotion to her family and friends.

Jerry and Wendy Dinsdale welcomed Myra Esther on August 12, 1981, the only girl between two brothers, Aaron and Owen. Devotion to family was cemented in her early years, with time spent at the cabin in Iowa Hill with her beloved grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Growing up in Davis and then Dixon, the Dinsdale family was well-known and loved at the local Kingdom Hall. On June 29, 1996, Myra was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In her early years, you remember Myra as inquisitive, spunky and genuine.

In time, a young brother new to the Davis congregation noticed Myra’s spirituality, honesty, and fun personality. Jeff Brien, an amazing single man, and Myra, an endearing young woman, became an unforgettable couple when they married on June 30, 2001. Even before becoming a mother, Myra invested in young children, cherishing their friendship into adulthood. The Briens were busy in the ministry, first in Davis, then with the Chinese group in the Park Terrace congregation (where Myra said she learned to give “the best hugs”). Jeff and Myra’s humor, hospitality, and spirit of adventure were infectious. During these years, memories of Myra are intertwined with her quick wit, intelligence, generosity, and loyalty.

After 7 years of marriage, Jeff and Myra made a bold decision to move to China. Their enthusiasm and adaptability led to many amazing experiences and many lasting friendships. Those who met Myra then probably had only one regret — the Briens’ time in China was cut short by a souvenir from the International Convention in South Africa. This surprise gift had them heading back to California, where Elliot was born in October of 2010. They settled in Sacramento with the Oak Park Mandarin congregation.

With legendary fortitude, Myra juggled being a fun and energetic mom, an appreciated wife, a loyal daughter and granddaughter, a support to her extended family, and a mentor for many sisters. She was the party planner, the fun service partner, the person you called to make things happen. Myra worked many years as a proctor, making even more friends. Neither the birth of Oliver in February 2017, nor Andersen (Didi) in September 2019, slowed her amazing pace! The boys benefitted from her belief that throwing rocks into the river, trips to the ocean, robot and dinosaur parties, time in the ministry, and museum visits are part of a happy childhood. Myra loved her boys fiercely, delighting in their individual personalities, accomplishments, and spiritual growth. She freely shared her pride and love through words and actions. During this time, it was impressive how Myra ran her life so well: her marriage, her home, her children, her ministry, her work, all while giving her best to Jehovah.

Jeff and Myra joined the Arcade English congregation in 2023. With weekend donut runs, service days in their van, planned and impromptu parties—the joy fostered by Myra merely changed locations. Due to Jeff and Myra’s tireless efforts with hospitality planning for the August 2025 Sacramento Special Convention, the Brien family was quickly loved by many more. If you met Myra during this time, you joined the village that sustained the Briens during her illness. Myra’s selflessness, love, generosity, hospitality, and devotion generated a wave of support that testifies to her beloved presence.

Knowing Myra from different perspectives, there are facets of her personality that we deeply cherish. But only our God Jehovah can piece back together all the delightful aspects of Myra. He will even remember things that we might forget, and bring her back healthy and vibrant, to her family, to Jeff, and to their boys. (Luke 20:37, 38)