Obituary of Brenda Mae Stanley

With great sadness, the family of Brenda Mae Stanley, of Saint John, announces her passing on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Bobby’s Hospice.

Brenda lost her valiant battle with cancer after being diagnosed in March of 2019. She was brave to the end, always being more concerned for others than herself.

Her family extends their deepest thanks to the nurses in Oncology at SJRH, to Dr. Burnell, Dr. Casey, and Dr. Parascan for their efforts to save Brenda. Thank you also to Bobby’s Hospice, Dr. O’Brien and staff for their comfort and care. To her many friends who supported her with kindness and encouragement, you have our eternal gratitude.

Born on July 27, 1956 in Scarborough, Ontario, she was the daughter of Raymond Blackwell and the late Helen Mae Marsh. She moved with her family to Saint John, NB, at the age of 16.

Brenda loved her life and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed attending the Good Life gym with the “Gym Chicks”, her longstanding membership in “Book Club” and time spent at her home in Florida with her cousins Janice and Marilyn. She loved experiencing new places and travelled across Canada, the USA, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Her varied working career included: retail sales/buyer for Calp’s, ad scheduling for CHSJ & MITV, licensed insurance agent, real estate agent at REMAX, owner of the Kennebecasis River Inn, and teaching cooking classes at the Rothesay Super Store. Her latest creative interest was a love of drawing and painting.

Brenda is survived by her father: Raymond Blackwell and stepmother Diane Blackwell of Saint John; husband: Frederick Stanley of Saint John; sons: Scott Sherwood (Nicole) of Saint John, and Adam Sherwood (Kait) of Calgary, Alberta; step-sons: Darren Stanley (Beth) of Rothesay, and Robert Stanley (Melony) of Saint John; step-daughters: Christine Stanley (Leo) of Rothesay, and Shelly Stanley (Stephan) of Moncton; brother: Wayne Blackwell (Anna) of Quispamsis; sister: Robbin Blackwell (Huey) of Rothesay; grandchildren: Kaydence Sherwood, Ellie Sherwood, Zachary Bennett, Brody Stanley, Brock Stanley, Brayden Stanley, Jax Stanley, Lauren Benson, Brooke Benson, Shayla Benson, Jillian Fortier, and Jessica Cahill; great-grandchildren: Sibelle Konè, Safari Konè, Jack Fortier, and Charley Fortier; nephews and niece: Brandon Blackwell, Joshua Malley, and Amy Malley; aunt: Doris Soucy; as well as cousins: Keith Hubley, Earl Hubley, Roy Hubley, George Hubley, Susan Richard, Janice Zufelt, and Marilyn Garrison. Brenda was predeceased by her mother Helen Mae Marsh and stepfather John (Jack) Marsh.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). A Celebration of Brenda’s Life will be held at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Bobby’s Hospice, or a local food bank. Online condolences can be made at www.BrenansFH.com.