On February 4th, a daughter, sister, and a friend to so many died peacefully in palliative care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, while holding hands with her sister, Deborah.

Born in 1969, January 18th in Glace Bay, Brenda was the third of six children born into the MacGillivray clan.

She was predeceased by her brother, Craig; her father, Roddie; paternal grandparents, Rod and Cecelia MacGillivray; maternal grandparents, Harold and Mary MacKinnon; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

From an early age, Brenda’s love of piano music was evident as she delighted "tickling the ivories" at Nannie MacKinnon's. She went on to study piano seriously with our neighbour and renowned teacher, Florence Adams. Each spring, Mrs. Adams would stage a concert at the Savoy Theatre for her students, much to the delight of their families and fellow pianists. At a young age, Brenda achieved Grade 7 Piano through The Royal Conservatory of Music.

Brenda graduated from St. Michael's High School June 1987. After a short time working at her uncle Howie’s pizza shop, she began her studies at St. Francis Xavier University in 1988. She graduated from St. FX in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology major, Psychology minor, music therapy and music history). Now at the age of 23 she was ready to make her way while improving the lives of others. Somehow, she found the time to give of herself, again, and volunteered at the Crisis Helpline in Sydney.

Over a period of years, she was Director and organist of choirs at Gordon United Church in Reserve Mines, Warden United in New Aberdeen, St Anne's, and Holy Cross of Glace Bay. From 1995 – 1998, Brenda worked as an activity coordinator at Victoria Haven Nursing Home, a role she deeply cherished. On open house occasions, her Dad and I would attend. Brenda’s caring and easy communication with the residents was heartwarming. We were so proud of her. On two other occasions, she drove some of the residents to our family home for an afternoon picnic.

And yet, Brenda couldn't stop doing something new. From January 1999 - May 2000, she studied at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, earning her Bachelor of Education and achieving the Dean's Honour List. She then taught P-12 for a few years, though her enduring passion for music remained. She later shared this gift by offering private lessons in her home on Birkley Street.

The well-known song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, held a special meaning for myself and Brenda. As a baby, if she would need a little cuddling, I would hum this to her. Later, whether at university or a day needing a little TLC, she could always depend on hearing an excerpt from that song. In her final weeks, palliative care social worker Meaghan assisted with a life-long dream. Brenda was able to meet Kathy and her son Paul. My daughter saw her full rainbow. She was at peace, and all was well with her world.

Our daughter, sister, and aunt will be sadly missed. We will never forget your smile.

'til we hold hands again xo

Brenda is survived by her loving mom, Elaine; siblings Janet Lynn, her son Breton and his father Jack Campbell; Brian and Heather, and their children Siobhan and Rhys; Deborah; Andrew, his children Claire, Ryan and Connor and their mother Erin Gundmundson; her godmother and aunt, Catherine Kenny; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Donations in Brenda’s memory can be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 11-12 pm with a Celebration of Life immediately following in the Chapel.

To share words of comfort with Brenda's family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com