Obituary of Brenda Thomas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda on Friday, March 13, 2026. Wife of the late Barry. Brenda was daughter to the late Joe and the late Joyce Richards (MacLeod). She was the bonus daughter of the late Elsie Richards (Johnson).  Much loved sister of Bob Richards (Mary) and Randy Richards (Lidia). Auntie of Bobbi Richards-Poole (Darran), Amanda Richards (Brad), and Stacy Cox (Caleb). Great Auntie of Gavin Poole, Dylan Poole, Ethan Shoust and Olivia Cox. Daughter-in-law of the late Jim and Lois Thomas. Brenda was a loving cousin and friend to all. Lovingly remembered by the Thomas Family.

Brenda was born on September 7, 1955 in Little Current, Ontario. In 1958 she moved from Manitoulin to Sault Ste. Marie with her family. As a child she lived on Arizona Ave. and didn’t have far to walk to school as East View Public School was just down the street. The park right across from the house provided hours of playtime with family and friends.

Brenda was very proud of her years as a Bandette and the comradery she enjoyed. She always looked forward to the dinner get togethers with the old Bandette crew. Brenda graduated from Sir James Dunn C&VS. After high school, Brenda attended Sault College and graduated with a “Masters in Euchre”.

Brenda had a varied work life which included the Trunk Road Esso, Country Style on Trunk Rd., Reyco Auto Parts, RMH Call Centre and Benson Auto Parts, where she was the manager for almost 20 years. Her dedication to staff and customers was first and foremost. One of Brenda’s frequent customers at Country Style was a young man named Barry. They married on June 19,1993 and were blessed with almost 33 years of matrimony.

Camp, good times in Echo Bay, their trailer in Sudbury at Richard Lake, and family, filled their days. Brenda was a great cook but so loved going out for breakfasts and trying out new and old lunch spots. Thursday was flyer day. Brenda would scour them and find the best deals. She loved all her furbabies and they brought her so much joy. Brenda loved her family and friends more than anything in the world. She always had a smile for all and a shoulder for anyone that needed one. She was the care giver of the family and always made sure everyone’s concerns or troubles were addressed and satisfied.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at the Echo Bay Elks Lodge (96 Church Street) on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

If you are able, memorial donations to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

SING

Like no one’s listening

DANCE

Like nobody’s watching

LOVE

Like you’ve never been hurt