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.

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