It is with profound sadness that the family of Brenda Irene Burns (née Byers) of
Ottawa announces her passing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Born in Winchester, Ontario, on May 23, 1949, Brenda was the second of five
children. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Wilmer Mason Byers and
Catherine Irene Blair, and her sister Noreen Byers. She is survived by her
siblings Jim (Fran), Eleanor (Robert) and Bill (Brenda); her three children,
Jennifer (Trevor), Ian (Kate) and Matt (Karen); and her seven grandchildren, Lily,
Thomas, Fiona, Naomi, Brooke, Henry and Anna. Brenda was incredibly proud
of her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Brenda grew up in Winchester and later attended Queen’s University in
Kingston, where she studied physiotherapy. She went on to build a career as a
physiotherapist in Ottawa, a profession well suited to her caring nature and
desire to help others.
For more than 40 years, Brenda made her home in Ottawa’s Manor Park
neighbourhood, where she built a strong and lasting community. Her home was
always a welcoming place for neighbours, friends, her children and their friends.
She had a wonderful ability to bring people together. Her door was always open.
Family and friendship were at the heart of Brenda’s life. She treasured the
relationships she built over the years and remained close to her extended family
and many nieces and nephews. Brenda also shared a very special bond with
Debbie O’Reilly, whom she cared for deeply and who became an important and
much loved part of the Burns family. Family reunions were especially important
to her, and she cherished any opportunity to gather the people she loved
together.
Brenda will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humour and down-to-earth
nature. She found joy in simple things: time with family and friends,
good conversation, meeting new people and, most of all, laughter. She was a
great listener, fiercely independent and always there when you needed her, day
or night.
The strength of the friendships Brenda built throughout her life was especially
evident over the last few years when she was surrounded by incredible love and
support. A very special thank you to Joanne Tomasi, Nancy Callaghan and
Sacha Godin for their kindness and devotion.
A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280
Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Thursday, September 3. Visitation will take
place from 2:00pm to 4:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 4:00 p.m. with
a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda’s memory may be made to Shepherds of
Good Hope through their online Ways to Give page: Shepherds of Good Hope | Homes for all. Community for all. Hope for all.
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