Brenda Jean Heldreth

Mystic - Brenda Jean Heldreth, 37, of Old Mystic, died unexpectedly on Feb. 9, 2010, due to complications from acute leukemia.

Brenda was born on Jan. 2, 1973, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, to Barbara Heldreth and the late Larry Heldreth, who passed away in 2008. Her arrival was preceded by nine months of constant motion in the womb, leading others and Brenda herself to believe she was meant to dance.

Competitive dancing was one of Brenda's most consuming passions in the last years of her life. She was an active member of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Mystic, spending countless evenings perfecting her cha-cha, salsa, and rhumba dancing skills. She was awarded 47 first prize wins at a recent competition and loved to shop for the most beautiful dance costumes imaginable. With her disciplined efforts to exercise daily, she looked amazing in each of the exquisite outfits.

Brenda grew up in Mystic and ranked third in her 1991 graduating class at Robert E. Fitch Senior High School. Academics came easy to her, and she also excelled at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, graduating in 1996 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting. Her career as a professional administrative assistant began shortly thereafter, working first at the Waterford Group and up until the present at Pfizer Inc., as an administrative specialist for senior level executives. Brenda was an active member of the local International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Pfizer Chapter, serving as the recording secretary and holding a seat on the board of directors. In addition, Brenda owned her own business, B. Heldreth Designs, which marketed her quality handmade bags, scarves, and artwork in local shops.

Brenda was an extraordinarily creative individual. Her penchant and drive to continually find ways to express her creativity were unmatched. From gardening, cake decorating, quilting, garment making, graphic design, and her extensive body of fine art, Brenda succeeded at every artistic endeavor she undertook. Anyone who has ever witnessed first-hand Brenda's famous banana caramel pie or annual Christmas Santa cookies will understand the bottomless depths of her talent.

She also had an excellent sense of humor and was able to communicate her wit through her clever writing of e-mail. Reading was another consuming source of interest for her; she would easily read two or three books and a slew of magazines over a weekend. She did this typically in the company of her three beloved cats, Leo, Lola, and Baby.

Brenda was an exceptional daughter and friend. She made her home with her mother, Barbara J. Heldreth, and enjoyed dining out, long drives around Groton Long Point, and frequent family events involving her cousin Julie and her nephews. She took a trip to Mexico with her mom and friend Sharon Sanders Koch in 2005. She enjoyed shopping, laughing, and creating art with her friend Kym Monson. Brenda had numerous other friends, all of whom would testify to her generosity, unconditional support, and authentic gift of friendship.

Besides her mother, she is survived by her brother, Jeffrey Heldreth; her aunt, Sheila Winkler and husband, Keith; cousins, Julie Rugh and husband, Darryl; Colleen DeMaria and husband, Jay, and Brian Winkler and wife, Kerry; a niece, Elizabeth Winkler; and nephews, Adam and Alec Rugh and Darren Winkler.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, 51 Williams Ave., Mystic. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Route 27, 197 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic.

Memorial donations may be made to Helping Paws, PO Box 476, Colchester CT 06415.

The Heldreth family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to share an online message of condolence.