BRENDA BARIC

1948 - 2025

BRENDA BARIC
Brenda LaVerne Baric (née Falden) passed away peacefully in hospital on April 21, 2025, after an acute battle with congestive heart failure, with her loving husband, daughter, and granddaughter by her side.

Brenda was born on August 26, 1948, and grew up in Intola Township on the outskirts of Port Arthur. One of five children born to Osmo and Laura (Manty) Falden, she was known as "Birdie" to her brothers and sisters. Leaving home at the age of 14, Brenda always worked hard to make her way in the world. At 19, she married the love of her life, John, and together they raised their children Laura Dorey, Steven, and Teresa Hewat.

Despite early hardships, Brenda became a cornerstone of her family and a pillar of her community. From running her own home daycare to graduating from Confederation College's Gerontology program, she found her purpose in the service of others and her community. She volunteered at countless school functions, founded the Westgate Band Parents' Association, launched Christmasfest for the Lakehead Social Planning Council, and pursued her career tirelessly with the LSPC, Community Housing, Wesway, and Belluz Realty. She was a proud and outspoken supporter of the arts, and never missed a school play, Festival performance, or concert.

Brenda loved quilting, camping and fishing, and in retirement sought adventure further afield, touring Scandinavia and conquering the Kananaskis Trail in 2016.

She was a devoted mother to Laura (Lawrence), Steven (Amanda), and Teresa (Bruce), and a steadfast "second mom" to their many friends over the years. She was a loving and supportive sister to Patricia Henriksson, Allan, Richard, and Judith Wrightson, and a faithful sister-in-law to Kathy Rendulic, Joe, and Annie Cudina.

Her greatest joy came from doting on her grandchildren Caroline and Grace Dorey; Katherine, William, and Lilian Hewat; and Harlow and Rowan Baric. She shared her heart with her vibrant extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

Brenda is predeceased by her brothers Ric and Allan, and by her son-in-law Lawrence Dorey.

Funeral services for Brenda will be held in the R. Leino Memorial Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, presided by Rev. Nancy Ringham at 11:00 am. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior. Inurnment will follow the reception in Riverside Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Diabetes Canada or a Charity of Your Choice.