Sydney

November 29, 1940, to September 4, 2025

Join us in celebrating the life of Brenda (Marenick) Campbell, who passed away peacefully at the age of 84, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Sydney.

Born and raised in Whitney Pier, Brenda was the daughter of the late John Marenick and Christina MacDougall. She is predeceased by her devoted husband of 55 years, Patrick Clyde Campbell and survived by her four children, Paula (Martin Hogue) Campbell, Ottawa, John (Denise) Campbell, Halifax, Pamela (Stuart) Russell, Raleigh, and Stephen (Wendy) Campbell, Sydney; brother-in-law, Ralph (the late Elizabeth) Campbell, Sydney, and sister-in-law, Carol Marie (Martin) Walsh, Boston.

Shandwick Street, where Brenda and Clyde raised their four children, served as a home away from home to many generations of Campbells. Notably, Brenda and Clyde’s eleven grandchildren, Émilie, Madeline, Matthew, Jack, Ben, Chloe, Will, Alexandre, Maisy, Thomas, and Patrick, whom Brenda loved with all her heart. The grandchildren remember spending their best summers in Cape Breton, where they splashed around the pool, played many games of “Bore a Hole” on Shandwick Street, and gathered around Brenda’s table for memorable family dinners. Crowd favourites of Brenda’s included her spaghetti and meatballs, her perogies and cabbage rolls, and, of course, her chocolate chip cookies.

Brenda was an elementary school teacher who had a deep love for children and a passion for reading, which she joyfully shared with her students. Her teaching career was marked by dedication and a genuine desire to inspire young minds. She was an avid bridge player, and weekly games with friends were a cherished part of Brenda’s routine. She found great joy in cooking, baking with her grandchildren, and sharing meals with loved ones.

Brenda devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, from hosting numerous holidays and birthday parties to travelling with Clyde for visits across Canada and the United States. Brenda always made sure to be present and engaged, never missing a special moment or milestone with her family. When her children and grandchildren were not in Cape Breton, Brenda made sure never to hang up the phone without saying, “I love you more.”

There will be no visitation for the late Brenda Campbell. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12:00 noon at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church on Cabot Street, with Fr. David Rankin officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you hug your loved ones, cook them something delicious, and maybe give the floor a quick vacuum – just how Brenda would have wanted it.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Online Condolences

I was sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I will remember her fondly from
our luncheons with high school friends. She was a lovely lady.
Sorry for your loss
From: Claudette Gray

Dear John, Paula, Pamela and Stephen,
I am so very sorry to hear your mother passed. I will be thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Brenda was just the most kind and lovely lady, not to mention the best godmother anyone could possibly have.
Her obituary was beautifully written and captured her personality perfectly.
I hope the many, many wonderful memories you have of your mother will comfort and sustain you and your families.
From: Coleen Morrison

John, Paula, Pamela, Stephen, my sisters and I wanted to express our condolences to you and your families on the loss of your mother. The references to Shandwick Street in your mother’s obituary bring back many fond memories for us. Although we did not socialize much that may have made us nearly ideal neighbours. Your parents were always kind and generous to us. Your parents also came out on a very cold winter day for our father’s funeral and, as a family, we were so very appreciative. On a personal note, your father taught me one of the most important lessons of my adolescent life and I am left only to hope that I thanked him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May your parents’ memories be blessings for all of you.
From: Peter, Kendall and Jan Nathanson