It is with deep sadness that the family of Brenda announce her passing on Friday 17 July 2026 at the Strait Richmond Hospital. Brenda passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by love from family members and her very special friend Terry.

Brenda was born and grew up in Grande Greve, Cape Breton and was very proud to spend her final years retired back on the same road she grew up on in Grande Greve.

Brenda was pre-deceased by her parents Frank and Edith Lafford, sister Frances (Joze Coprez), brother John, nephew, Charles MacMillan and nephew Jason MacMillan.

She is survived and will be lovingly remembered every day by daughter Alana Desorcy (Mick Thevarge), grandson, Jaxson Desorcy, grandson, Brendan Healy and her 9 remaining siblings: Justin, George, Beverly (Dan Campbell), Christy (Terry Gardiner), Winnie (David Wickwire), Nicky, Norma (Val Smith), Lloyd and Byron (Darlene Lafford).

Brenda will also be fondly remembered by all of her many cousins, nieces and nephews, whom she loved very dearly and whom she cherished spending time with. She had an abundance of love and devotion for her large family and was deeply loved in return.

As the former wife to her daughter’s father, Gerry Desorcy, during his military career, Brenda experienced many postings throughout Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Along the way, she formed many lifelong friendships that she treasured deeply. The friends she made over those years became her extended family and she cherished each and every one of them.

Brenda also loved her labradoodle, Sheria, which she spent countless hours walking out to Grande Greve beach and enjoying daily adventures, prior to her cancer diagnosis. She was especially grateful when her nephew, Evan, for lovingly caring for Sheria when she no longer could.

Brenda had a generous heart and wore it on her sleeve. She loved her family above all else and especially looked forward to large family gatherings.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Brenda took great pride in caring for her home. She loved gardening and found great satisfaction in pickling, preserving, and canning the fruits and vegetables she grew. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, and whenever she had the chance, she made the most of life. Whether she was playing darts, dancing, or listening to good music with her sisters and friends, Brenda embraced every opportunity to have fun and create lasting memories.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Strait Richmond Hospital, the Halifax Infirmary, and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Cancer Centre for the compassionate care they provided, making Brenda’s many hospital stays as comfortable as possible. A special thank you goes to her surgeon, Dr. Wilson; her oncologist, Dr. Oja; Dr. Derouche; and her palliative care team, Dr. Gillis, Nurse Kyla, and Nurse Lesley, for their exceptional care and kindness.

Brenda was also deeply grateful for her two nieces, Natalie and Angelina, both nurses, who spent countless hours by her side throughout her illness. She truly appreciated the extra love, comfort, and professional care they gave her. It was exactly as she wanted.

There will be a celebration of life for Brenda at a later date. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com