Sadly, our special “Lord Love a Duck”, Cape Breton sweetheart, has passed. We pray that the next life is kinder to her than this one often was. Brenda was the victim of a workplace accident many years ago. From then on she dealt with a lot of pain and lost all use in her right hand. Overuse of her left hand destroyed its strength as well. Despite her physical limitations Brenda never lost her drive to work and be a valuable member of society. Through the years she lived in Guelph, Fergus and Mount Forest. While in Mount Forest she became a valued volunteer at Victoria Cross Public School. She set up a school store which was open to everyone and where everything was free. Brenda was an unbelievably organized person and she created a store that was clean and tidy with clothes sizes neatly organized. She also accepted skates, shoes, boots and outer wear. She even had an adult section. It made her so happy to help parents find suitable clothes for themselves and their children. Brenda also volunteered in the primary grades working on reading skills with students. This work brought her great joy. She was a valued member of the Mount Forest Recovery Canada Group. Brenda loved our community and she called us “her people”. Unfortunately, over a decade ago, Brenda, who truly was a deserving recipient of ODSP, (the program where individuals who have disabilities receive a monthly government “wage”), was unfairly removed from the program. She was no longer able to afford to live in Southern Ontario and had to move back to Glace Bay, Cape Breton. Although sad, Brenda did what she always did which was to reach out and find ways to contribute to her community there. She led tours at the local Coal Miners’ Museum and assisted at the food bank. Brenda will continue to be treasured in our hearts for her determination, courage, positive energy and unconditional love. We can be certain that she has reunited with her furry friends of the feline and canine persuasion. In memory of Brenda, do a kind deed for someone else every day, and, if you can financially afford it, reach out to a charity that helps those with greater struggles than your own. Brenda Lee, your passion for good and the love you so freely shared, will be treasured in our hearts, forever.
