Brenda Joyce Martin, age 82, of Black Point, Little Harbour, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at her home on December 8th at Maritime Odd Fellows Home, Pictou, Nova Scotia.
Brenda was born on February 23, 1943, in New Glasgow to Hardy and Laura Allard. She attended Stellarton High School and worked as a teller at the Credit Union in Antigonish and the CIBC Bank in Halifax. For over 50 years, she was the co-owner and operator of D&B RV Park in Little Harbour alongside her former husband, Dennis Martin.
While enjoying a family beach vacation in Black Point, by chance she discovered a small campground for sale. Brenda said, "My kids ran away one day, I found them here and it was for sale." Embracing youthful promise, they purchased the campground in 1973 and named it D&B, using their initials. Together, they built a home and expanded the campground, transforming it into a vibrant community. It is now a haven where families build lasting memories across multiple generations, filled with days of refreshing ocean swims, beach adventures and games and evenings full of song and dance.
Brenda was a gifted painter whose brushstrokes captured the essence of a place, the majestic force of the ocean, and the beauty in everyday life. She was an active member of the local painting group, sold her work at the Heather Hotel, and her pieces are cherished in numerous private collections.
Brenda had music in her soul, and her son Derek's band, Kentucky Thunder, was her favorite. Their CDs were the soundtrack to her life in her studio, car, and home. At concerts, she was always in the front row, completely immersed, capturing the attention of the performers and sometimes even becoming part of the show. And when it came to dancing, Brenda and Dennis were legendary for their lively jive.
Brenda spent her final years as a cherished, active, and joyful resident of the Maritime Odd Fellows Home, where she was surrounded by deep friendships and received exceptional care. Despite disease restricting her mobility and speech, Brenda had a unique ability to connect. She used her expressive eyes, "danced" with air guitar, and made everyone feel incredibly special with her exuberant greetings.
Brenda deeply cherished her family and cultivated an extended family among the campers at D&B RV Park, as well as with the residents, caregivers, and staff at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home. Brenda leaves a legacy that carries the same commanding presence as the tides she painted, and is an enduring testament to the intensity, depth, and radiant joy of her personality.
Brenda is survived by her children: Derek, Darren (Norine), and Denise (Peter) Lynch and her husband of over 50 years, Dennis; her grandchildren: Kevin Smith, Braden, Maci, Michael and Lauren (Cole) Martin, Kelsie (Wyatt) Kelln, Amanda (Neil) Lynch, Quin and Mikayla Lynch; and great grandchildren: Deirdre Fraser, Lainie Kelln, Olivia and Madeline Smith; her siblings: Barbara (Keith) Porier, Kenny (Martha) Allard, Patsy (Ted) Tracy, Laurie (Mark) Britnell; sister-in-law, Rhoda, wife of the late Clarey Allard. Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Hardy and Laura Allard.
Visitation 6-8 pm Thursday, December 11, at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow, NS. Reception Friday, December 12 from 3-5 pm, with words of remembrance at 4pm, at Sister Catherine Steele Centre (Our Lady of Lourdes Hall), 12 Saint Bernard St, Stellarton, NS.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maritime Odd Fellows Home in Pictou, NS, specifically to the recreation department (IOOF Recreation Treat Fund). This will help them continue to share the joy of music with their residents.