The family of Brenda Louise Deagle are deeply saddened to announce her sudden passing on July 28,2024.

Brenda was born in Sydney, NS on May 4, 1941, where she lived until her graduation from Holy Angels Academy. Shortly after she moved to Montreal to start her career, married the love of her life, John Deagle, and had their three girls.

She embraced the move to the NWT/Nunavut where John continued his teaching career, and the family grew by one when they adopted their son. Brenda had a lifelong kinship and deep admiration for the First Nations communities of Fort Providence and Coppermine (Kugluktuk), remaining in touch with many friends over the years.

After the sudden death of her husband, Brenda, at age 32, with her four children moved back to Sydney, NS where she worked and attended Cape Breton University, all while being a great mom. She relocated to Dartmouth after a few years. She worked and attended Mount Saint Vincent University part time. Determined, at the age of 50 she achieved her Bachelor of Arts.

After retirement from the NS provincial government, she volunteered with Literacy NS and the Dartmouth Museum. She also enjoyed spending time with her Book club and NS museum pals.

Brenda loved books, especially poetry, English literature and history. She had a great desire to know and see the world. She was a researcher by nature, no one could work a library archive like she did! She enjoyed many genres of music and loved gardening. She was an NDP “lifer”, donating and volunteering during elections. She was resilient, fiercely independent, charitable and generous. Family was first, always.

Brenda is survived by her two daughters, Lisa (Gail), and Kelly Deagle; grandchildren, Jenna Deagle-Potter, Devin Giles, Caylee Moore and Alex Hebert; son-in-law, Ernie Giles; and her fur baby of 15 years, Lady. A special thanks to Elderdog, for providing such care to Brenda and Lady over the years.

Brenda is also survived by her brother, Richard Nicholson, and many extended family members.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Deagle; mother, Vina (Levina) Nicholson; stepfather, Ken (Kennley) Nicholson; daughter, Shawna Deagle-Giles; and her son, Scott Deagle.

Her family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at the Dartmouth General Hospital for their respect, care and kindness during her time there.

We wish to also acknowledge the love and support received from our family and friends. Your words and gestures have filled our hearts during this difficult time.

A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on August 16th at 1 PM. Reception will follow, in T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Beechville, NS, B3S 1C4.

In her name and honour, you may wish to donate to:

Elderdog Dartmouth PAWD: https://elderdog.ca/donate/

Margaret House: https://margarets-house.ca/donate/