Obituary of Brenda Jane Doherty

DOHERTY - Brenda Jane (nee Brant) of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory was called home by Creator. Brenda, age 76, began her journey back to Skyworld on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, surrounded by family, at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital.

Brenda is survived by her loving children Alicia (George) Tsakos and their daughters Alexis, Victoria, and Lauren, and Stephanie Doherty and her daughter Sarah; by her siblings Patricia, Ruth, Evelyn, and Esther; and by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her loving husband Norman (2019); and brothers Paul (1998) and Delbert (2022). Brenda was born in Belleville, Ontario on May 16, 1947 to the late Carman and Lorraine Brant.

Brenda was hard-working, skillful, and exceptionally adept in all her professional endeavours ranging from manufacturing, serving, management, and real estate. Her aptitude and lifelong desire to learn only continued into late adulthood as Brenda pursued a significant career change. Brenda was a distinguished scholar, achieving a Social Service Work Diploma, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work. As a Registered Social Worker, Brenda practiced with humility, integrity, and an immense passion for the healing and empowerment of Indigenous peoples. Brenda dedicated her Social Work career to community work with Indigenous peoples, creating important change and imparting lasting impacts to those she worked with and alongside. As an avid reader and thoughtful listener, Brenda always sought to understand. In doing so, she was an incredible teacher, and a source of wisdom and support to friends, family, and communities.

Brenda saw the sacred in the ordinary, whether it was feeding the hummingbirds, playing a game of bingo, feeling the sunshine, or laughing around a campfire; she lived a full and beautiful life. A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother (totah), auntie, and friend, Brenda was a resilient and remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many. She will continue to be respected greatly, loved deeply; she will be missed profoundly. 

Visitation will be held at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570) on Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11:00 am. A private interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery, Shannonville in the spring. If desired, donations to the Orange Shirt Society would be appreciated. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca