Brenda Paquet

Paquet, Brenda Lee (nee MacKinnon)

On the evening of May 13th, 2014, Brenda passed away peacefully due to Multiple System Atrophy. She was surrounded by family members and in the comfort of her home at the time of her passing. Brenda was 50 years old. Brenda was born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on September 23rd, 1963 as the ninth child to Theresa Gatza and Dan MacKinnon. Brenda was always very tenacious. From a young age, she began taking on challenges in earnest and seeking to lend those in need a hand. She was known for being very caring and for giving sage advice. Her adult life took her across the continent with her family, seeing amazing sights, meeting new people and experiencing all life had to give. She made life long friends everywhere she went. Brenda was an active individual, and running was one of her passions. She successfully completed the Ottawa Marathon and Army Run more than once. Her last race was only four short years ago. She spent her last years raising awareness worldwide for Multiple Systems Atrophy. She rose to each challenge her condition brought and has left a notable legacy of inspiration and hope. Brenda is survived by her husband, Alain Paquet, and two children, Jessica and Jeremy, as well as her nine sisters, Loretta, Dee, Georgie, Laurie, Velvet, Marlene, Bertha, Veronica, April, and three brothers, Paul, Frank and Dan. Special thanks goes out to Nancy, Lisa, Brenda, Dr. Cross, the May Court Hospice, and to her sister, Loretta, for helping her remain comfortably at home with her family; and also to her husband, Alain, for steadfastly remaining by her side, her rock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the May Court Hospice, which provided much love and support to Brenda during her illness. Donations can be made at the visitation or directly to the hospice. Brenda will be remembered at a reception held at the Westboro Chapel of Tubman Funeral Home, 403 Richmond Road, Ottawa, between 14:00 and 17:00 on Saturday, May 17th, 2014. She will be memorialized at Pinecrest Cemetery. Brenda was a much-loved wife, mother, daughter and sister; all those whose lives she touched will miss her dearly.