Brenda Ada Stringer

Brenda Ada Murphy Stringer, a beloved mom, friend, athlete, and public servant, passed away in her Florida home on February 17, 2025 at the age of 68. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

From her childhood in Saranac Lake, Brenda possessed an infectious spirit that brightened every room she entered. Her kindness and helpful nature were legendary; she touched countless lives with her genuine warmth and unwavering generosity. This compassionate spirit remained her guiding principle throughout her life.

A gifted student and accomplished athlete, Brenda excelled at Saranac Lake High School, participating in soccer, Nordic and alpine skiing, and track. During summer months, she was a dedicated member of the local softball league. After graduating, she pursued higher education at SUNY Canton and Paul Smith’s College, where she received two degrees; one in Business Administration and another in Culinary Arts. Following graduation, Brenda embraced various hospitality roles throughout New England before returning to her beloved Saranac Lake and embarking on a rewarding career with New York State. Beginning her career at the State Prison and later transitioning to the Department of Environmental Conservation, where she forged lasting bonds with hundreds of colleagues and friends.

Brenda was lucky enough to marry the love of her life, Larry Stringer in 1986. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter, raising their sons, Sam and Murphy. Larry’s unexpected passing left a profound void, yet Brenda faced this challenge with the same resilience and grace that defined her character.

Her favorite activities included birding, boating, and swimming. She always carried a pair of binoculars just in case there was a tufted titmouse or a yellow-bellied sapsucker perched around the corner. Brenda loved introducing new people to the lake and sharing the beauty of the Adirondacks with everyone she could. She was always the first person to swim in the spring.

Brenda is survived by her sons, Murphy Stringer and Sam Stringer, her daughter-in-law Maureen Stringer, her brother Ray Murphy and sister in laws, Lynne Murphy, Peggy Dora, Nancy Whitson, Linda Spellman, Leslie Murphy and Tracy Dragoon; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives she enriched. Brenda was also like a second mother to so many kids and young adults in the area. Besides her husband Larry Stringer, Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Georgia Murphy and Kenneth Murphy, and her siblings Jack Murphy and Jean Murphy.

Calling hours will be held on April 5, 2025 at Fortune Keough Funeral Home from 12-2pm with a service immediately following, and a celebration of Brenda’s life at the Waterhole from 2:30-4:30pm. We will miss her at home in the Eagle's Nest, at camp "up the Lake", and on the sidewalks of Saranac Lake and Lakeland, Florida. Her memory will forever be cherished.

Friends wishing to remember Brenda can share their condolences, memories, make a donation of a memorial tree or send flowers to the family at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.