McNeil, Brenda

In Loving Memory of Brenda McNeil (nee Rose) who passed away on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at her home. Brenda leaves behind her husband of 38 years, John McNeil, and is survived by her 3 children, Shawn, Max, and Michelle Weir (Blaine Buisson). She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren (Jayme, Jace, Myles and Hailey), 1 great grandchild (Harlow) the apple of her eye, who has brought her so much joy in the last 3 years. She is also survived by 5 of her 10 siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, and her surrogate daughter Trudy.
Brenda was born in Come by Chance, Newfoundland. She moved to Sudbury in 1966 where she remained for most of the remainder of her life. As a Newfoundlander, she was true to her heritage and was known for her kindness and loved for her quick wit, wicked sense of humour and infectious laugh. Those who met her never forgot her. It was those attributes that we feel kept her going these last 50 years since her first cancer diagnosis at the age of 27. She battled on and off for years and was sent home on more than one occasion to die. She was the “Phoenix” to her family and an enigma to her doctors as she always beat the odds, managing to get well and come back strong. Her courage and tenacity knew no limits.
Brenda’s work ethic was unparalleled. She kept a spotless home and tackled any job. She was a sprite of a woman but had the strength of a bull. Nothing daunted her. She also loved to garden, travel, and was always up for an adventure. So much so that she went Zip lining by herself in her 70’s while her younger sister waited in the car. She loved all creatures. She would buy food to feed the strays and the wild. Her biggest loves were her dogs of which she had many over the years. The thought of leaving them behind held her to this earth far longer than anyone thought possible.
We were blessed to have her in our lives. She will be forever loved and remembered. As per her wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. In lieu of flowers donations in Brenda’s memory can be made directly to Turtle Pond Wildlife https://www.turtlepondwc.com/donate.