Book of Memories for Brenda Margaret MacKay

Condolence From Valerie and Frank

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 08:46:49 EST

Received via e-mail and posted by Bill: Dear Bill, Nancy, Cathy and many grandchildren, It was with great shock that we read of Brenda's passing, we weren't expecting this at all. We have many fond and beautiful memories of you Bill and Brenda coming to visit us when you came home to Sydney and then when we traveled to Ontario. Your Brenda was a gracious, kind and loving person whose memory will live on in our lives because she touched us with the Savior's Love. The number of conversations we all had together and when Brenda and I got a chance to talk in private will be a treasured memory for me. Thank you for pouring your lives into us, you are a gift that God gave to us to help us along the way to finding Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Love in Christ, Valerie and Frank

Condolence From Carol & Vaughn

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:15:36 EST

Bill, Cathy & Nancy-I have a broken heart losing my baby sister. However, she suffered long enough, and when I think logically, I know she is now in the presence of our Savior and rejoicing in her pain-free body. I also know that my tears are my own selfishness, knowing how much I will miss her. What a hope we have as we ponder all of God's promises to those of us who believe in Christ. Thank you so much Bill for your faithful care of her, particularly these last 6+ years when she needed you so much. Thank you also for your diligence in putting together a wonderful service in her honor this morning. We will be remembering all of you in our prayers. We love you all.

Condolence From Barb and Nick Copes

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 17:18:40 EST

Dear Bill, Nancy, Cathy and families. We are so sorry for the loss of Brenda and pray for His Peace and Grace to comfort and keep you in the days ahead. I have a fond memory of Brenda from many years ago. A group of friends were at Lorne and Sandy Legrow's home and a song came on the radio or CD player. Brenda jumped up and said, "Bill, that's our song. Let's dance" The rug was rolled up and we applauded as they danced to "Could I Have This Dance". (For The Rest Of My Life) It was a lovely, spontaneous moment.

Condolence From Ross and Marie Wilton

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 12:58:19 EST

Our condolences to Brenda's family. We have fond memories of her from Atlantic Baptist. Ross taught her and I was the Principal's Secretary. She accomplished a lot in her life. The last time we saw Brenda was at Bayview Glen Church. May the strength of the Lord be your strength. Ross and Marie

Condolence From Mike and Deb Wilkins

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 10:03:31 EST

Dear Bill, Nancy, Cathy and families. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers today as your remember and celebrate the life of your dear wife and mother. Bill, you and Brenda were such an encouragement to us both in our early days of ministry at Bayview Glen. We are trusting that the God of peace you both so faithfully have served for all these years will be your consolation and that His joy will be your strength. Love in Christ, Mike and Deb

Condolence From Claire Tjan

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 10:01:16 EST

Dear Bill, our deepest sympathy in the loss of Brenda. I feel very fortunate to have taken a small part in Brenda's care. Brenda was an inspiration. The way Brenda and you approached life, to improve all aspects, even in the presence of her disability was admirable. I enjoyed my chats with Brenda about her educational and professional history, and about parenting. My team and I, at the end of each of our visits with Brenda and you, comment to ourselves, about how lucky Brenda was to have you as her loving husband, that you were always so caring and so positive. We admire you so much Bill and I hope that you will find peace knowing that Brenda is resting in peace and comfort. Our condolences to you and your entire family, Claire Tjan, Amy, Patang, Sandra

Condolence From Rob & Myrna Gowing

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:38:24 EST

Dear Bill & family. We pray God's peace and tender comfort as you walk the valley of Brenda's earthly loss. We rejoice with you that she is now healed, out of pain forever and with our Lord in glory. "What a day that will be when our Jesus we shall see!" "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow" Thank You Lord!

Condolence From Bill and Josephine (Joey) Gaines

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 21:32:30 EST

I have so many memories of our days at UBBTS in Moncton and the times I spent visiting at the "London's" home. Brenda was a great friend to many. Deepest sympathy to all of Brenda's family from my husband Bill and I.

Condolence From Ruth MacNeill

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:56:12 EST

Bill and Family.... My Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your Wife & Mother. May precious memories comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time. ......I have not been on Facebook in over a week busy with the season activities and when I looked in today and saw your messages Bill I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth MacNeill, Sydney, N.S.

Condolence From Frank & Valerie Mackley

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:30:29 EST

We have many beautiful memories of visits with Brenda. She taught us so much about Our Savior's Love and we are so greatful to her for her minsitry to ourselves and others.

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 14:06:42 EST

Our Honeymoon

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 14:06:15 EST

Our Honeymoon

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:56:07 EST

Brenda, Nurse at Shouldice hospital

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:55:18 EST

Rving in New Mexico

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:54:24 EST

Family photo - 1996

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:53:43 EST

Brenda and Cathy

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:52:54 EST

Brenda and Cathy

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:52:12 EST

Brenda's family - brother and sisters. She is the youngest on the right

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:51:15 EST

Brenda, Nancy and Cathy

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:50:46 EST

Brenda and Tia

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:50:04 EST

Brenda and Nancy

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:49:33 EST

Brenda and first grandson Nathan

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:49:02 EST

Brenda and Cathy

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:48:32 EST

Brenda and Bill at Cathy's wedding

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:48:02 EST

Bayview Glen girls

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:47:29 EST

Touring Windsor Castle

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:46:41 EST

Bayview Glen Church portrait

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:46:11 EST

Brenda and Mya

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:45:41 EST

Brenda and Mandy

Condolence From Elaine McBride

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 11:15:58 EST

Since Bren became ill six longs years ago, she has asked me every time I've seen her to pray that our Heavenly Father would take her home to Heaven. I have always honored her wishes, at the same time, grieving deeply for all her physical/mental losses. Now, our prayers have been answered, and for her sake, I rejoice in His goodness. "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15 For Bill, Cathy, Nancy and grandchildren, my heartfelt sympathy. I pray the Holy Comforter will be a powerful presence in your hearts and minds, and though we grieve, "we weep, but not like those who have no faith." Cart & Elaine

Condolence From Ashley Rombs

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 09:53:36 EST

Uncle Bill & family we are so sorry for your loss. Auntie Brenda you will be missed by so many. I am thankful for all the fond memories I have of you, starting with the realization at about age 2 that you were a "really dood took (good cook)", moving on to 4 year old fun in Prince Edward Island with you and Nanny talking about how I wanted to grow up to be Miss New Brunswick, then when I was about 12 you taught me to crochet, when I was 14 we were riding in the car and you started singing a Shania Twain song and I realized "old people can be cool!" (she wasn't really old but you know how kids think), and especially grateful for all the times you and Uncle Bill made it from Toronto to Oklahoma or Virginia as we were always so happy to see family while living so far away.

Condolence From Sandy LeGrow

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 09:44:48 EST

Bill Nancy Cathy and your precious grandchildren. As we look back this past few days in our photo albums we are reminded of all the wonderful memories we have shared with your family and so many others at Bayview Glen. We celebrated birthdays, Easter, Thanksgivings, Christmas eve, Boxing days and many times in between. We never needed an excuse to plan times to share fellowship in each others homes. Brenda loved having "the gang" in to have a time of playing games, laughing together and enjoying some wonderful food. Brenda certainly had the gift of hospitality and shared that gift with so many. Over the years Brenda would often say "I can hardly wait till the Lord comes back to take us all home to be with Him. In the last few years she would talk about going home to be with her Heavenly Father and we rejoice with Brenda that she is "finally home". Our many tears we have had over the past few days are not for Brenda but for all of her dear family and also for our great loss. Brenda loved church choirs and those "good old hymns" as she would say. This past Sunday at Bayview Glen we sang one of her many favorites, " Great is Thy Faithfulness". I could not get through it for crying and seeing Brenda singing it in heaven now. We love you Bill and girls and will continue to pray that you will know the comfort of our Lord through the days, weeks and months ahead.

Condolence From Pam Staley

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 01:02:07 EST

Dear Bill, Nancy and Cathy, As you prepare for the final tribute to Brenda, you will no doubt be sharing stories and remembering special times. Brenda always had such a joyful attitude and a kind heart and it was a pleasure to visit in your home Bill. You and Brenda always showed such hospitality and shared the wisdom that God had given you. Brenda was a willing and gracious Bible study leader who made God's word come alive and you were an amazing team who loved one another completely. You have shown your commitment to your dear wife and mother in recent years as you cared for her and made her as comfortable as possible. I weep with you, the ones left behind, but rejoice that your precious one is now complete, walking with and worshiping the one she taught about and was so obviously committed to. May each of you find comfort and peace in the knowledge that Brenda is now Home and may you experience God as only those with broken hearts can. Love, Pam

Condolence From Sandra Chadsey

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:41:59 EST

Dear Bill, Cathy, Nancy and families. I am so sorry to hear about Brenda's (so hard not to say mrs Mckay because that's who she always was to me!) passing on to heaven. I don't recall when I first intigrated into your family, you were just always apart of my life at grade school, church, socially and all the in between spaces. Brenda feed me, scolded me, laughed with me, ate Cathy and mine kichen creations, she held me as a teen when my dog suddenly died right before school. Brenda was my second mom for so much of my growing up years and her solid truth based and God based life was food for me. I have prayed for Brenda these years of pain. I'm glad she is healthy and walking and singing again. You will miss her dearly, but she will always be and live on in our hearts and memories. May God be your support these days. With all my love and many hugs!! Sandy

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:08:29 EST

Brenda and Mary MacKay

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:04:53 EST

Recording Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue in Nashville

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:03:02 EST

Brenda

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Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:01:21 EST

BGC Church Portrait

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Wed, 01 Jan 2014 22:25:31 EST

Brenda, Bill, Cathy & Nancy

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Wed, 01 Jan 2014 22:23:38 EST

The early years

Condolence From Claire and Ken Bradley

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 15:07:29 EST

Dear Bill, Nancy, Cathy and families, We were saddened to read of the passing of your dear wife and mother. We haven't seen your family for many years now but we have fond memories of you all and we have enjoyed being a small part of your lives again through Facebook. As you start a new year without Brenda, there will be many difficult firsts.... May God comfort you and strengthen you and constantly remind you of his loving presence in ever deeper and very meaningful ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Much love, all the way from Turkey.

Condolence From Dalton and Sheila

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 13:58:08 EST

Dear Bill, Nancy and Cathy and their families, Please accept this expression of our condolences as you face the loss of a dear and loving wife, mother and grandmother. A big part of our lives has been taken away and the void is a heavy one to bear. God bless you all, With love from Dalton & Sheila

Condolence From Gary and Zena Bensley

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 13:57:34 EST

Dearest Mr. Mackay, Nancy, Kathy & families, we send our heartfelt condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Mrs. MacKay was a special person and will always be remembered by all those that were close to her. Sincerely, Gary and Zena Bensley

Condolence From Keith & Joyce Birnstihl & Annie

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 13:47:42 EST

Dear Bill & Family, We were so shocked to return from our family visit in Calgary to hear of your loss. Brenda was such a inspirational and loving person. Such wonderful neighbours, we will miss seeing her on the deck with Sophie. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. May god bless you.

Condolence From Barb & Robert Wilson

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 13:02:29 EST

Our thoughts are with you Bill, your family and Sophie. We will miss our visitis with Brenda when walking Bailey.

Condolence From Paul & Carol Torkoff

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 11:28:06 EST

Carol and I want to express our deepest sympathy and to let you know that our thoughts and prays are with you. Brenda was a wonderful lady and I know that the two of you have had many many fantastic moments together. "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." -Helen Keller

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Tue, 31 Dec 2013 22:16:54 EST

I have so many wonderful memories of times with Auntie Brenda as our children always referred to her. She was my husbands Aunt and our children's great Aunt. So often she made us welcome in her home and also visited us in our homes throughout the United States. I'll never forget that she and Bill blessed us when we moved to Oklahoma with a visit when we were at our loneliest. Then when we moved to Virginia-they came to see us and encouraged us once again. In 1988, we shared a vacation in P.E.I. It was so fun going to the beach, sharing meals and having lively conversations. She had such a sparkle in her eyes and a beautiful way about her.

Condolence From Joanne McIsaacJohnson

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 19:41:01 EST

Dear Bill and family, your hearts must be very heavy today. Brenda is a wonderful woman - courageous, determined, and so gracious. I had such a lovely afternoon with you both at the reunion - an afternoon of memory-making, Brenda said. Certainly true for me. Our sisterhood will miss her greatly. I trust that you will all find solace in the sure knowledge that she is alive in Heaven with our dear Father, singing and dancing, pain free, and happy. God bless you all. Joanne

Condolence From Elsie Brown (Feb 16, 1992)

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 19:39:51 EST

With permission of Elsie's daughter Allyson Bill is posting the text of a February 16, 1992 Bayview Glen encouragement note Elsie sent to Brenda which I found in her desk. "Brenda: What a joy to once again sit under your teaching. You took me back many years. When I became acquainted with you at a time when I so needed to be taught fundamental truths in scripture. I have never ceased to be grateful for the timesI spent in your home and how I was able to learn to cope with life at that time. Your teaching this a.m. is indeed beautiful and meaningful and you are a woman after God's own heart. Thanks for being there for all the women - they will indeed mature and grow in their youth and knowledge of God. Love Elsie

Story shared: Brenda's assistance in the Cook twins delivery!

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 15:13:30 EST

Dear Bill & family, We are so sorry to hear of Brenda's passing from this earth but yet thankful she is with our FATHER in heaven and has no more pain. Brenda was my first cousin (our mothers were sisters). I will never forget in May 1971, when she took the time to be with me in the delivery room at the Carleton Memorial Hospital,Woodstock,NB., as David & Bryan entered into this world. She pretty much was Dr. Brenda MacKay who did it all, as the boys were coming before the doctor even got there! She was such a kind and gentle person and when I think of Brenda, that incident comes to my mind. Brenda's presence was always a blessing and as I look back she would have shone with the love of God that day, and now I might say that she is REALLY SHINING with HIM!!!!!!

Condolence From Gord and Liz Currie

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 14:56:07 EST

Dear Bill and family! Our deepest sympathy is extended to you on the passing of your dear wife, mother and grandmother, Brenda. What an amazing human being she was! She and I attended Grade 7 and 8 together in Woodstock, NB and oh, what fun and laughter we shared! We remained connected on occasion as we grew older and always loved to reminisce about younger years and past memories. Brenda loved her family more than anything, was deeply religious and had the utmost courage and positive attitude as she dealt with her health issues for many years. Treasure wonderful travel memories and happy times you have shared as a family and do keep Brenda's memory alive. Gord and Liz

Condolence From Rev. Dr. Das Sydney

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 14:01:07 EST

Received by e-mail and posted by Bill on behalf of Dr. Sydney: That is a wonderful tribute to Brenda. I remember with gratitude her deep faith and conviction that this world, beautiful as it is, was only a temporary habitation. Her faith was rooted and grounded in our Savior in whose presence she is now. How often she longed for that new and better land, which has no pain, suffering or separation. Life dealt harshly with her with her debilitating disease, but in the midst of it, she made room for laughter, joy and making the most of life in spite of hardship. Even in hospital, she was a sparkling witness to our faith. Being a grateful person, I know she would want to say thank you to you for your unfailing love and utmost care to the very end. She is now looking down on us with the words of our Lord still ringing in her ears, Well done good and faithful servant, enter now into your rest.

Memorial Candle lit by susan leclaire

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:19:47 EST

Sue and Mackenzie

Condolence From Susan Leclaire

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:12:39 EST

I was blessed to really get to know, understand, and love Brenda. There are people that come and go from your life, but few who impact your heart with their unconditional love, prayers and guidance. I will miss Brenda greatly. I was crying last night and thought of her saying to me "you're being selfish in wanting me back because I am at peace, walking hand in hand with the Lord now". My thoughts and prayers are with Bill, Nancy and Kathy and their families at this time.

Story shared: One of my first memories of Brenda

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 12:20:41 EST

At Bayview Glen Church, about 30 years ago, a seminar was offered, "Speak up With Confidence" with Carole Kent. We were in groups in which to practise our speaking skills. Brenda and I were in the small group, the first time in which I really had had an opportunity to get to know her. I was warmed by her friendliness, her knowledge, her great sense of humour and her "realness". Such a wonderful woman from whom I learned much. We will miss you, dear friend.

Condolence From Nick Dorazio

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 11:00:30 EST

Bill, you and Brenda are a part of my life from Doncaster to Bayview Glen those years are so important to me. I know she is with the Lord now ! Love you Bill. Your always apart of my life. Nick

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:48:32 EST

A lobster feast fit for a Queen with Jasmine and Lily

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:44:16 EST

Decorating her last Christmas tree with granddaughter Mandy, November 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:42:13 EST

Celebrating Bill's birthday with angel food strawberry shortcake, November 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:35:43 EST

Lunch with Nancy and family at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Toronto. Sept. 28, 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:32:00 EST

She, and Sophie, loved a score blizzard form the Dairy Queen in Stratford

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:29:33 EST

Brenda and Sophie going for a ride in her Sprinter van.

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:27:34 EST

Breakfast on the deck with good friend and PSW Sue.

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:23:41 EST

McLobster at Eaton Centre. She loved her lobster.

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:19:46 EST

Having her hair done at Conestoga mall, August 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:17:21 EST

Lunch on the deck with Bill & wearing her favourite apron "especially made for her by Marion Dart"

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:13:43 EST

Celebrating Canada Day, July 2013 with PSW Julie

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:11:01 EST

Ben's birthday June 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:09:47 EST

At Nancy's for grandson Ben's birthday, June 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:05:03 EST

With good friends Darlene and Paul who lived with us last winter

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:00:02 EST

May 2013, 68th birthday with grandchildren

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:57:36 EST

Brenda's 68th birthday May, 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:52:26 EST

Brenda with her 5 beloved grandchildren, March 2013

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:49:16 EST

March 12, 2013, just taking some family pictures at home.

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:32:47 EST

Brenda's Bible - Her Most Cherished Possession. Just about every blank page and every margin is crammed full of her study notes and comments.

Condolence From William MacKay

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:15:51 EST

Please note the time of the service is incorrect in the SERVICE DETAILS section but correct in the OBITUARY/NOTICE. It is 11:00am at Bayview Glen Church, 300 Steeles Ave East, Markham. There is also a viewing at the church from 10:15 - 10:45 am for those who were not able to attend the funeral home.

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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:56:36 EST