Brenda Edith Simmonds

Brenda Edith Simmonds, born on November 12, 1949, in Englehart, Ontario, passed away peacefully early morning on December 13, 2025, at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket. A cherished soul, she leaves behind a legacy that shines brightly through her family and friends.

Brenda dedicated her life to the nursing profession, starting her career as a Registered Practical Nurse. Her compassion flowed through the halls of hospitals and senior homes before extending out into the community as a beloved visiting nurse. Her patients were not just people to care for; they were a community she loved and served with every ounce of her being.

Brenda's life was beautifully intertwined with her family. She made every holiday a special celebration, always bringing along her famous dessert trays and freshly baked rolls. Her daughters, recall these warm gatherings fondly, where the aroma of her mother’s baking filled the home, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Brenda was extraordinarily proud of her family and often spoke of them with unbridled love and joy.

Creativity coursed through Brenda’s veins. She enjoyed sewing clothes and knitting sweaters for her children during their youth, nurturing their growth with love crafted by her own hands. In her later years, she found immense joy in quilting, creating beautiful pieces for her loved ones that encapsulated her warmth and care. Her interests were as vast as they were varied; from making stained glass panels, lamps, and ornaments to ballroom dancing, cross-country skiing, and camping, Brenda embraced life’s adventures with open arms.

A true social butterfly, Brenda was known for her candid spirit, always willing to tell it like it is. She was a loving person, whose heart expanded beyond her family to embrace friends and her community with the same fervor she showed at home. This immense love for her community was evident in her dedication as a volunteer at The Link, aiding the York Region Food Network and always attending community lunches. Moreover, she held the position of Vice Chair for the Sutton By The Lake Ladies Club, leaving a mark on the organization and the lives of those she touched.

Brenda's beloved daughters, Michelle Sharpe and Valerie Simmonds, along with her son in-law Andrew Sharpe, survive her. She is honored by her grandchildren, Brandi and Jesse Sharpe, Samantha and Chance Nicholas and her great-grandchildren, Neveah Fairchild, Airden Nicholas, and Stella, Keelan, Jackson, and Emily Nicholas. Brenda will be sadly missed by her brothers, Joe, Tom, and Fred Tellier. She is also remembered fondly by her former spouse, Fred and (Valerie) Simmonds , and close friends Kathy Campbell and Sandy Johnson.

As we celebrate Brenda's life, let us remember her fierce love, her unwavering strength, and her boundless creativity. She was a luminary in her family’s lives and a compassionate light in her community. Her spirit will forever remain in the memories shared and the love that surrounds those who were fortunate enough to know her.