Six months ago my life was forever changed when I lost my wife and the mother of our two sons. For all who knew her, Brenda was a beautiful, caring, respectful, generous and courageous lady who loved her family and friends more than words can express. She walked softly through life embracing each moment and treating every person with kindness and love.

I wish to thank Archdeacon John Dinn for the compassion and the encouragement bestowed upon our family during the difficult hours following Brenda's passing. The celebration of Brenda's life at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church was beautifully orchestrated and I felt honored and privileged, on Brenda's behalf, to have such a beautiful location, given our familial ties to the area of Topsail, to pay homage to Brenda and celebrate her life. Music can be so therapeutic during life's sad moments therefore I would like to express my appreciation to the talented Organist, Stephanie Gavell.

I gratefully acknowledge and thank Christopher Gill, Jonathan Gill, Justin Penney and Gerald Crickard who assisted our sons, Johnny and Ryan, as Brenda's Pallbearers. I would also like to thank Kelly Kean and Ashley Kean for reading at Brenda's service.

Thank you to Scott Janes and Sandy Gibbons for your touching tributes to Brenda. She would have been extremely proud to learn of the great legacy she left to us all. You both captured Brenda's true essence and I felt so much pride to have shared her life for over 30 years as her husband and best friend. Brenda's quiet, solid presence, her independent nature, her integrity, her warmth and her understated sense of humor were all very notable traits. She was a light in so many lives and I am thankful to see her warmth live on in our two sons, Johnny and Ryan. The boys loved their Mother dearly and were equally as proud of her as well.

I am grateful to Angela Gibbons for reading an additional tribute composed by Brenda's lifelong friend, Florence Myrick. Thanks to you both. The poetic tribute allowed us to smile through some of our sorrow.

My heart was truly touched by the unique musical tributes played during the service. Thank you Sarah Gibbons for your stellar performance of Woman of the Island and later, Amazing Grace two very appropriate selections that would certainly have met with Brenda's approval. A special thank you to Leslie Amminson for your performance of Vive La Rose, a fascinating piece of Newfoundland music that stirred my heart when you performed it that day. Thank you as well for playing your violin Leslie. Brenda would have been so happy you did that for her. Sarah and Leslie, your participation in the celebration of Brenda's life means more than words on this paper can aptly express.

To Brenda's immediate and extended family, in particular, Barbara Gill and Ann Janes, who helped care for her during her final days, a heartfelt and sincere thank you. While you were all dealing with your own grief and sadness, you still found strength to provide support and encouragement to Johnny, Ryan and me. As usual, the presence of Brenda’s family was a significant comfort during that time. Barbara, your dedication to your sister Brenda and her care during her last 12 months will be forever etched in my memory. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To three of Brenda's lifelong friends, Carol Squires, Marion Fagan and Angela Gibbons, you ladies were wonderful. I was never surprised by the level of support and compassion you each showed Brenda during her courageous battle with cancer. Thank you so much for the laughter and joy and even the tears you brought to Brenda during her final months. I know she truly loved and valued each one of you.

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and compassion shown to my sons, my extensive family and to me by Barrett's Funeral Home. Sincere appreciation is also specifically extended to the Pain Management and Palliative Care Team of Eastern Health.

I sincerely appreciate every visitor during Brenda's illness and after her death. I appreciate every card, every bouquet of flowers, every phone call, every kind word and every embrace. I have read every email and on-line condolence and I am grateful for each of them. Thank you to all who provided refreshments. A special thank you to those who traveled from out of town to provide their support and encouragement. A heartfelt thanks to those who made donations to The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre and The Mazol Shriners Patient Transportation Fund in Brenda's name. While it is impossible to thank everyone individually, be assured your thoughtfulness and your acts of kindness will forever be remembered.

For she is woman,
Woman of the Island;
Strong as the ocean,
Solid as the rock in a raging storm.
She’s our yesterday, she’s our tomorrow;
Woman of the Island, in you,
Our hopes can be reborn.

Husband, John P. Hearn
Sons: Johnny and Ryan