Obituary of Brenda Marie Liston

Brenda Marie (Miller) Liston said that she was very fortunate to have loved as well as being loved throughout her wonderful life, and said her final farewell at her home on Friday, July 5, 2024 after a courageous battle with blood cancer.

 

Brenda was born on August 16, 1948 at the Victoria Public Hospital in Fredericton to very proud parents Douglas and Eileen (Currier) Miller and a sister for June.

 

Besides her dear husband Jamie, Brenda will be sadly missed by her four daughters, Heidi Liston (Steve Watson), Philippa Liston (Peter Sokolowski), Rebecca Liston (Matt Markey), Mandy Liston (Eric Demers). Her treasured grand children, James Watson, Clayton Watson, Yurek Sokolowski, Marek Sokolowski, Mason Markey, grand-step-son Carter Markey, Ivy Demers, Clark Demers, sister-in-law Pam Liston (Tim), sister-in-law Linda Lamont (Alastair), several nephews and nieces and many many cousins from all sides of her extended families. Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Douglas and Eileen (Currier) Miller and sister June, her father and mother-in-law Clayton and Jean (Kerr) Liston, brother-in-law Tim Liston (Pam).

 

Brenda never forgot where she came from, she nourished her family roots. The “Miller’s” of Saint John, the “Cogswell’s” of Waterborrow, the “Currier’s” and the “Kimball’s” of Oromocto.

 

At a very early age Brenda realized that she was blessed with a talent to create artistic artwork using any medium available to her.

Brenda graduated from Fredericton High School in 1966 and the New Brunswick Teachers College in 1968. Mr. Clive Roberts, the district co-ordinator of the Art Education Program for School District 18, recognized at once a most dedicated and talented Art Teacher, so in September 1968, Brenda found herself where she knew she belonged.

 

Brenda’s next unforgettable turn in her road of life was in the fall of 1969 where she accepted to be James Hamilton Liston’s blind date to attend the Fredericton Construction Association Annual Ball at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel. A month later in the basement of the Smythe St. School District 18 Art Dept. Mr. Liston presented her with a diamond engagement ring. Brenda Miller and James Liston were married in the spring, May 2, 1970 at St. Paul’s United Church. They honeymooned in Bermuda and it became Brenda’s most romantic place, returning there several times on March Breaks.

 

When the NB Dept. of Education terminated the District 18 Art Program Brenda concluded her teaching career teaching a grade 2 class at South Devon Elementary School.

 

After retiring from teaching, Brenda continued to be involved by volunteering to be a member of the Board of Directors for the New Brunswick School Days Museum, located most appropriately in the old Normal School Building on Queen St.. Again, using her artistic talent, she accepted the position of Exhibit Co-ordinator.

 

Brenda was a master amateur antique collector. Over the years she decorated and furnished every room in her house with some fabulous pieces and artwork.

 

Family was Brenda’s passion of love, bringing up her four daughters, as well as supporting her husband Jamie and above all her eight grandchildren which they always referred to her as their “Mimi”. They loved each other so much. For 54 years every birthday and holiday was celebrated with Brenda’s legendary decorations and incredible cooking. Christmas was everybody’s most joyous times.

 

Brenda was always supportive of all her daughters and grand children's activities, never missing a school concert or event. With her cowbell she attended all their sport events. She enjoyed being the cook at Brownies and Girl Guide Camps at Oromocto Lake. The swimming pool in their backyard became one of her most cherished times with her family.

 

Brenda was a member of the Fredericton Golf Club and thoroughly enjoyed the companionship and the spirit of playing the game with all her golfing friends. When she first took up the game she loved those golfing road trips.

 

Brenda also loved the get togethers with what she called her “tea companions”.

 

Brenda was thankful for having lived such a full and wonderful life and requested that there will be no visitation or funeral services. Instead, she asked that everybody who touched her heart throughout her life remember her in their own special way.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. Nickolous Fynn and staff at the George L. Dumont Oncology Centre. Dr. Saleem Raza, staff and volunteers at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Oncology Unit, Dr. Karen Van Middlesworth and her staff, the Extra-Mural Program and Dr. Frenette, Palliative Care, for all the professional care and compassion they showed Brenda. The best that anyone could hope for. Brenda always said that they all deserve a gold metal.

 

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.