We are deeply saddened to share that Brenda passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. She was the wife of the late Barry. Brenda was the daughter of the late Joe and Joyce Richards (Mac Leod). She was also the bonus daughter of the late Elsie Richards (Johnson). She is survived by her brothers Bob Richards (Mary) and Randy Richards (Lidia). Aunt to Bobbi Richards-Poole (Darran), Amanda Richards (Brad), and Stacy Cox (Caleb). Great aunt to Gavin Poole, Dylan Poole, Ethan Shoust, and Olivia Cox. Daughter-in-law to the late Jim and Lois Thomas. Brenda was a caring cousin and friend to many. The Thomas family holds her close in their hearts.
Brenda came into this world on September 7, 1955, in Little Current, Ontario. In 1958, she moved with her family from Manitoulin Island to Sault Ste. Marie. As a kid growing up on Arizona Ave., school was just a short walk since East View Public School was nearby. There was a park right across from her home where she spent countless hours playing with friends and family.
She always took pride in being a Bandette member and loved the friendships made there. Those dinner reunions with her Bandette pals were something she really looked forward to. Brenda finished high school at Sir James Dunn C& VS and later went on to Sault College where she jokingly earned a “Masters in Euchre.”
Her work life was quite varied: she worked at Trunk Road Esso, Country Style on Trunk Rd., Reyco Auto Parts, RMH Call Centre, and Benson Auto Parts – where she managed for 17 years. She truly cared about both staff and customers alike. It was at Country Style that she met Barry as one of her regular customers; they married on June 19,1993 and shared almost 33 years together.
Their days were filled with camping trips, fun times in Echo Bay, visits to their trailer at Richard Lake near Sudbury, and lots of family moments. Brenda loved cooking but also enjoyed going out for breakfast or trying new lunch spots around town. Thursdays were all about scouting flyers for the best deals – that was her thing! She adored all her pets who brought so much happiness into her life. More than anything else though, Brenda loved her family and friends deeply – always ready with a smile or an ear when someone needed it most. She was the go-to person who looked after everyone’s worries.
A Celebration of Life gathering for family & friends will take place at Echo Bay Elks Lodge (96 Church Street) on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 1:00 p. m. until 5:00 p. m.
If you’re able to help out memorial donations would be appreciated by Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). Arrangements are handled by Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). You can share memories or condolences online at www. northwoodfuneral. com
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
SING
Like no one’s listening
DANCE
Like nobody’s watching
LOVE
Like you’ve never been hurt
