Brenda Marie Fleeton

It is with great sadness that I announce the peaceful passing of Brenda in the Port McNeill Hospital after a short but courageous battle against Liver Cancer. She will be dearly missed by her husband of nearly 43 years Malcolm as well as many friends and colleagues.

Brenda was pre deceased by her parents W.R. (Bert) and Helen Somerville. She is survived by her brother Robert (Bob) Somerville (Erika), nephews Steven and Chris; sister Audrey Somerville, niece Gabrielle; brother in law Christopher Fleeton (Suzanne) niece Elizabeth (David) and nephew Alex (Samantha).

Brenda was born in Brandon, Manitoba and spent her first eleven years in the small town of Killarney, Manitoba before moving to Chilliwack and then Maple Ridge, BC. Brenda graduated with top honours in high school before enrolling at Douglas College and then Simon Fraser University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

Her love of travel started with a solo trip to the UK before meeting her future husband in a community band in Maple Ridge as she followed her passion for music. They were married August 20, 1983. Brenda worked in the library at SFU before moving to the North Island 42 years ago to follow her husband in his teaching career. Shortly after arriving Brenda was hired by the Forest Service in Port McNeill where she worked for 32 years in a variety of positions.

Her natural leadership and passions for volunteering began with the Social Committee at work and branched into the Mount Waddington Regional Fall Fair, North Island Concert Society, Northern Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair and supporting the schools with many projects of making lunch for students or the sudden order of 300 cookies her husband needed for an event. Brenda continued to follow her passion in music by singing with the Tsusquana Choir, Bell Ringing, North Island Community Band, or playing for school Christmas concerts and productions. Brenda was an excellent hostess for many events and loved to cook or bake.

Her favourite hobbies included reading voraciously or crocheting some new item for a friend, baby, or craft market. She became well known for her preserves and went to many community markets selling the products. She received numerous trophies from the Fall Fair each year in Crafts, Photography, Kitchen skills or Gardening as well as winning the Grand Aggregate Rose Bowl many times. A further passion for Brenda was travelling as she saw every province, territory, or state except for Nunavut and Hawaii. She loved the RVing life of adventure as well as the cruising world of Alaska, Caribbean and East Coast.

Her life has touched so many in the North Island and she will be dearly missed by all including her Forest Service family and friends especially Debbie Riehl with who she developed a strong bond.

Thank you to the staffs at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Port McNeill Hospital, and Ambulance teams for their warm and compassionate care over the last month.

No service or flowers by request. If you wish to make a donation please consider Autism BC, Variety Club Tent 47 or a Food Bank.

The North Island will miss her contributions but keep those community activities happening for future generations.