EAST CALAIS – Brenda Jean Hawkins, 76, of East Calais, died peacefully on March 13, at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center, following a courageous battle with Dementia.
She was born January 23, 1948, in Barre, the daughter of the late Leavitt and Esther (Howland) Holt. She attended Woodbury public school and graduated from Hardwick Academy in the class of 1966.
On June 8, 1968, she married David Fred Hawkins in Woodbury.
Brenda continued her education at Trinity College in Burlington in 1998, while working full-time. She Graduated from St. Michael’s College in Colchester with her master’s degree in marketing at the age of 50, working full-time and making the dean’s list the last three semesters.
From 1974 to 1983, Brenda and David operated a dairy farm in East Calais. Brenda loved her cows.
Later, she was employed by several businesses and agencies including the State of Vermont, National Life, administration at Goddard College in Plainfield, and Community College in Montpelier. She retired at age 65.
Brenda was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She taught Sunday School in Woodbury and in East Calais. She loved family gatherings especially spending time with her three grandsons, and her fur baby, Walker. She enjoyed visiting with friends, dancing, camping, gardening, reading, playing softball, cooking, traveling, races at Thunder Road and cruising the Atlantic. Brenda was always happy. She lived her life to the fullest, always enjoying a good joke followed by her very robust laugh. She was dedicated to her community. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
Survivors include her loving husband of more than 55 years, David Hawkins of East Calais, two children, Karen (Michael) Burnor, and Kurt Hawkins, all of Barre; three grandsons, Alan Burnor, Gavin, and Graiden Hawkins; a sister, Sandra (Don) Touchette of Berlin, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.
All services will be held later at the convenience of her family, with a date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: Dementia Society of America, P. O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are, welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com
