The family invite you to listen to the following songs as you read Brenda’s obituary:

“Bonnie Portmore” (Loreena McKennitt)

“Gift of a Thistle” (London Symphony Orchestra & James Horner)

It is with a profound sense of loss that the family of Bren (Brenda) Evelyn Smith, age 67, of Yarmouth, formally of Aberdeen, Cape Breton, announce her passing on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of her family. 

 Born in Yarmouth, Bren was the daughter of the late George and Evelyn Smith. 

Bren had the natural ability to find the sunshine in each day with a deep love for living. She spent most of her working career with the Department of Natural Resources, primarily in the Cape Breton Highlands, where she worked in the field at a time when few women were represented in her profession.  

Bren kept with the legend of the Cape Breton Fairies with her Wee Folk Creations. Bren had an extraordinary ability to take on any project she set her mind to such as a recent rebuild of a foundation. This passion for creating never left her and continued right up until her final days, when she designed and began construction of a squirrel habitat—one final project that her family will lovingly complete.  

Bren was immensely proud of her 33 years of sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. Bren loved a variety of music and she loved to play the banjo and harmonica.

Bren had a deep love for all animals, with a special fondness for goats. She delighted in making various products from their milk and cherished them as beloved pets. She also treasured family meals filled with laughter. Above all else, Bren was a kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental soul who gave love freely and unconditionally. 

Bren is survived by her brothers, Arthur “Sonny” (Cynthia) Smith of Yarmouth and Paul (Barb) Smith of Waterloo, Ontario; her nieces and nephews, Holly (Sheldon) Thomas of Bridgewater, Dwight (Debbie) Smith of Yarmouth, Annette (Mitchell) Smith-Rodgerson of Yarmouth, Charles (Meeyoung) Fells of Korea, Joseph (Sarah) Smith of Yarmouth, and Lisa (Kevin) Deveau of Red Deer, Alberta; and her much-loved great-nieces and nephews, Alan, Samantha, Shelby, Bailey, Keilah, and Leander. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Shirley Mersey. 

Bren’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the South Shore Palliative Care Team (Dream Team) for the exceptional kindness, compassion, and support shown to Bren and her family during her illness. You are truly special people. 

In keeping with Bren’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held on January 30^th at 2pm at the Pembroke Hall in Yarmouth. Arrangements have been entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services. 

Donations in Bren’s memory to Rocking Horse Ranch 1544 West Side Baddeck NS B0E 1B0 would be appreciated. 

PRINTABLE VERSION

SERVICES & GATHERINGS

Celebration of Life

Pembroke Hall

January 30, 2026 2:00 pm

672 Pembroke Rd. Yarmouth, NS

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