Brenda Maxine Appt

Brenda completed her journey with us early on December 12, 2017. One might say that she lost her long battle with cancer however, she met the challenge in her own unique way, always pushing back and ensuring she made the most of every day.

Brenda was born in the coal mining town of Springhill, the youngest of five. After her school years as a straight A student, she worked as an administrative assistant until she left work to raise her boys. She later graduated from MSVU with a degree in Business Administration and followed this with a successful career as a Tax Auditor and Business Valuator for the Canadian Revenue Agency in the Halifax, Toronto and Mississauga offices. Work and Doug eventually led her down the road to Ontario where she lived in Oakville for a number of years, accumulating friends along the way. She and Doug returned to Halifax once more to spend her final years closer to her family.

Brenda was fiercely loyal to her friends and lived for her family who were her number one priority and she offered support to all in any way possible. She also had her edgy side and had been noted to “Suffer No Fools”, being well known to offer her opinion and speak her mind on any subject she felt strongly about. She was a spark, a spitfire and a ball of boundless energy all rolled into one and it was best not to get in the way.

Although her recurrence of breast cancer was a blow, she fought with great determination in her Brenda-esque way, surviving much longer than anyone anticipated, by sheer force of will and having a positive attitude, and defying all odds. She was of great help and inspiration to other new cancer sufferers offering direction and support to aid them in their own journey.

Brenda was also a great teacher, specifically of life lessons and practicalities which she passed on to her children, grandchildren and family members. She imparted advice with specific emphasis and clarity to ensure her point was not to be missed and her organizational skills and attention to detail were beyond compare. She will always be remembered with great love and fondness by all. She is survived by her loving husband, companion and friend Doug Appt; her little pal, Tory; sons, Jeff Colp (Sharon), Greg Colp (Jennifer); step-daughters, Jennifer Appt (James Sachkiw), Susan Plewes (Geoff); step-son, Mike Appt (Charlotte); grandchildren, Morgan, Liam, William, Ethan, Kristian, Jesse, Abagail, Lexus, Joslynn, Oliver, Charlie and Evan as well as her sisters, Sheila (the late Glendon) Westhaver, Joan (Willy) Williamson; brother, Ralph (Betty) Judge; sisters-in-law, Colleen (Terry) McHugh, Elaine (Mike) Cashin and many nieces nephews and extended family.

She was predeceased by her mother Arvilla (Moore) Cuvelier; her father, Ralph Judge, and her sister, Iris.

Special thanks to Dr. Judy MacNeill, the Palliative Care Team, Continuing Care NS, the VON, Dr. Arik Drucker, and the Chemotherapy Nurses of 11.0 Victoria.

There will be a service on Saturday, December 16, at 2:00 pm in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Halifax (Hospicehalifax.ca) at the request of Brenda and her family.