Brenda Carol Mousseau
September 22, 1958 – September 27, 2023
On September 27th, 2023, Brenda Carol Mousseau (McLay) loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister passed away at the age of 65, surrounded by her loved ones at the Dryden Regional Health Centre, after a very short battle with cancer.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Darryl Mousseau and daughters, Denise (Dennis) and Melissa (Troy), grandchildren; Teegan, Rowen, Kobie and Tallee, her mother, Cecilia Heil and siblings Debbie (Bryan), Bruce (Annelie), Georgette (Steve), Denise (Bill), Lori, Laura and Allan as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She is predeceased by her father Gilbert McLay and step-father Stan Heil, brothers Glenn McLay and Randolph McLay.
Brenda was born in Dryden, Ontario on September 22, 1958 to Cecilia Heil and Gilbert McLay. She attended St. Joseph’s School and the Dryden High School where she was a cheerleader and crowned freshie princess. Brenda started volunteering as a Candy Striper at the Dryden Hospital at 16 years old in 1974.
Brenda being the very caring and compassionate person she was, decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps becoming a Registered Practical Nurse at the Dryden Regional Health Centre in 1979. Brenda worked in various departments of the hospital throughout her 44 year career, but remained in the CSR department since 2001. Brenda loved her job, her coworkers and made strong connections within the DRHC community. Brenda was planning to retire in January 2024.
Brenda welcomed daughters, Denise in 1980 and Melissa in 1983 with her former spouse Richard Szachury. Although this relationship wasn’t permanent, they along with their families remained close even after Richards’s passing in 2016 and Brenda will always reign as the “favourite” daughter-in-law.
Brenda had an incredible relationship with her girls and they enjoyed many activities together such as karate, beach volleyball and baseball. The trio spent many nights practicing katas and sparring in the highschool gym with the Dryden Isshin-Ryu Karate Club. Brenda achieved her 4th degree black belt and volunteered her time teaching karate to youth in the community for many years. Brenda will always be remembered throughout her martial arts days as being a dedicated, spirited and sometimes mischievous student and teacher.
Brenda met the love of her life, Darryl in 2001. After a short courtship and her irresistible cooking skills, Darryl popped the question and the two were married on April 20, 2002. Brenda and Darryl spent the last 22 years together creating a loving home, spending time with family, friends and doting over their grandchildren. Brenda’s grandchildren were her pride and joy and you would always see her cheering them on at the rink, baseball diamonds, soccer field or gymnasium courtside. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching them in whatever activity they were involved in. The kids loved their visits and sleepovers at grandma’s house as she would spoil them rotten and they always got to eat any treat they wanted from her candy drawer.
Brenda was someone who loved to help those in need, a trusted loyal friend, loving spouse, mother and grandmother. Her kind heart, fun loving spirit, smiling face and infectious laugh will be greatly missed and cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.
We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss. Thank you to all the staff at DRHC who made sure Brenda was comfortable and the family was taken care of during their stay. Thank you to Barb Gibbins in the kitchen for preparing the snacks and refreshments that kept us going. Special thank you to Dr. Goulet, Sarah Degagne, Sonia Lambert, Sarah Wanio, Bev Norman and Savanah Kuzemchuk who took such loving care of Brenda not only as their patient, but also their co-worker and dear friend. Thank you to Crystal Rollins for organizing her honour walk and to all the staff that attended in support. Finally, to Brenda’s trusted sidekick Ina for arranging all the video birthday messages for her 65th and to “her boys” for not listening to her and coming over with birthday cake anyway!
The family invites friends and family to please join us via zoom link if unable to attend. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89021329914?pwd=y4apBtiKn18qcAu76jrZbQ49X5Pkh7.1
Condolences(7)-
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Mrs. Denise Bradley (McLay) and Families says
October 2, 2023 at 5:41 pmDEAR FAMILY, OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN IN THE PASSING OF OUR SISTER BRENDA. HER OBITUARY IS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND WE CAN FEEL THE LOVE FELT FOR BRENDA POURING FROM YOUR TRIBUTE.
Christine Moss-Rogers says
October 3, 2023 at 9:49 pmBrenda was a lovely person Many fond memories of her, her family and our group of friends growing up at St. Joseph’s School I know she will be missed and loved always ❤️🙏
Jennifer Northcott says
October 3, 2023 at 4:00 pmDearest Denise and Dennis and Melissa and Troy and your families – There are so many funny stories I could share and so many situations that we managed to get into and out of with your Mom.
Every karate tournament your Mom went to she would meet new friends and expand her learning and knowledge of other karate styles. She has left a huge void in her karate family. She will be so sadly missed by all the people (young and old) who she spent so much time with, sharing her knowledge and skills. That’s the thing about your Mom – she always managed to lend a hand or be there when you needed somebody the most. She was full of so much joy and love. We had so much fun when we were all together and your Mom was the “ringleader ” – from food fights to traveling all over for karate.
Your Mom made me comfortable knowing I could be as a “Mom”. She shared you two so generously with me and it taught me so much about being a Mom. I really wanted to share that with you because I wouldn’t be the stepmom that I am today without your Mom and what she taught me.
This world is a little sadder today without your Mom here but I know I will see her again someday, just waiting.to make a coffee and sit down and have a good ol’ chat. Much love always ♥️💔 jenny
Christine Moss-Rogers says
October 4, 2023 at 2:39 pmI have many fond memories of my early friendship with Brenda, on my own with her family and with our crew at St Joseph’s school. It was a wonderful time in our lives I saw her a few times after not often enough A beautiful thoughtful person My thoughts and prayers go out to all her loved ones and whom ever she touched as I know she did ❤️🙏
Robin (Hardy) Frieling says
October 6, 2023 at 1:06 amSending my deepest sympathy to Brenda’s family. I was so saddened to hear of her passing! Brenda and I were in the same graduating class from nursing. A lot of good memories of those days! Sending hugs!
Diane (Pekarchuk) Ouwehand says
October 7, 2023 at 5:24 pmGeorgette, Denise, Allan, Lori and Laura:
Your sister’s memory will forever live on in the stories, laughter, and love you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jonathan Cheung says
October 9, 2023 at 5:22 pmSending my sympathies to Brenda’s family. She always had a smiling face when I worked with her at DRHC and I had a blast with her being paired with her in the DRHC golf tournaments.
If friends and family so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Dryden Regional Health Centre Palliative Care Department, PO Box 3003, Dryden, ON, P8N 2Z6.