MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, in her 75th year. Beloved wife of Walter “Ed” Penfold. Loving mother of Krista (John) Calvert and Stephen (Stephanie) Williams. Cherished grandmother of Dana (Brayden), Seth, Finn, Lachlan and Ewan. Dear sister of Cathy, Jane (Louis), Margo (Kevin) and the late Terry. Brenda will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be missed by her extended family, The Penfolds, The Grahams, and The Williams.
She loved to travel and shared many adventures with her life long friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Northumberland Hills Hospital for all of their care and support. A celebration of Brenda’s life will take place in the MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre, Cobourg, on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 12 – 3 p.m. Donations to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Just saw this sad news. We shared many laughs while working a D'Arcy Place. Hadn't seen you in years but you were never forgotten.
Just found out you are gone Brenda! Time and distance separated us but you will always remain a part of my heart. I cherish the many many times we spent together and your visits to me in Greece and England. Rest in Peace my dear friend-I will see you again in the light above.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother and grandmother Pam Spear
Brenda always greeted me with the biggest smile and a warm embrace. Always smiling and so kind. I remember Brenda in Baltimore! She will be dearly missed. Blessings and strength to all of the family
So very sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing, my deepest sympathies to all the family.
So very sorry to hear of Brenda's passing. Our sincere condolences to her family.🙏
I am very saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Brenda at D’Arcy Place. Sending my deepest condolences to her family
Ed, we were saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Brenda. She was so much fun to be around and was wise beyond her years. We can only imagine how crushed you are!!. We pray that God's grace will surround you and give you peace during this difficult time! Hoping to get together soon!!! ❤️
I was just notified today of Brenda’s passing. So sorry for the delayed condolences to all the family. I had the pleasure to catch up with Brenda at a cousins lunch in Kingston last spring. Was a pleasure to catch up and share memories.
Sending sincere condolences to the family.
Krista and Stephen, I am truly saddened to learn about your mom’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Dear Krista, John, Dana Seth and Finn: Sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom(in-law) and grandmother. I know that you will feel this loss keenly. Thinking of you and your extended family.
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you Steve and your family during this time.
I have soo many memories of .my friend Brenda She had the best laugh and definitely a lot of fun!!As young children we walked many miles through creeks and over hills Worked with Brenda And out for dinner with friends She loved her Children and Grandchildren loved the hockey See you again Brenda love you soo Jeanette and family xoxo
Dear Ed, Krista, John, Stephen, Stephanie and families. Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Brenda. Brenda was such a beautiful person and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Please know you are all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. Our sincere condolences. Cyndy and Rob Harper
Our deepest condolences our thoughts & prayers are we you Ed & family. Rest in heavenly peace 🙏🏼✝️💐 Doug & Tina
We don't move on, we move forward. We don't get over it, we integrate it as who we become. We don't get back to normal, we are forever altered by loss as we were by love.
A friend, with an outgoing personality, always up for an adventure and opportunities to meet new people. Brenda, you will be missed by all who share life with you.
So very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing… rest in peace my friend You will be missed
Sending sincere condolences to Krista & family in the loss of your mom & Grandma. Cherish your memories. Eric & Carol Buttar
My condolences Ed. Sorry for being late as the internet is not the best here in Cuba. So sorry for your loss.
My dearest Ed, and to Brenda’s beloved siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all the beautiful souls who were part of her circle of love—my heart aches with you today. I’ve carried Brenda in my heart for more than twenty years, and even now the thought of her brings both tears and the softest smile. She was a rare kind of light—steady, gentle, and fiercely kind. When life broke me open in one of my darkest seasons, it was Brenda who sat with me in the wreckage, who listened without judgment, who held space when I had none left for myself. She didn’t just help me through; she reminded me I was still worthy of love and hope. That kind of gift doesn’t fade. To everyone who was blessed to call her family, friend, confidante—I know the world feels quieter, heavier, emptier without her. But please know that every memory you hold, every story you share, every time you feel her presence in a sudden wave of comfort or a familiar laugh in the distance… those are her ways of staying close. She touched so many lives so deeply, and that love doesn’t vanish—it simply changes shape. May you wrap yourselves in the warmth of one another. May the beautiful, irreplaceable memories she left become a soft place to rest when the grief feels too big. And may Brenda’s gentle, giving spirit continue to surround you, guide you, and remind you that love like hers never truly says goodbye. Rest in perfect peace, dear Brenda. You were so very loved, and you always will be. With all my heart, until we see each other again.
My heart is broken. I only knew Brenda for a short time but I loved her, I would jump up to greet her when she arrived at the marina arms wide open ready for the absolute best hug from her. I was a captive audience to her many stories of fantastic travel adventures and of her beautiful family. She had a smile that would light up a room and I cam still hear her giggle in my ears. I am fortunate to have known her. Kirk and I send our sincere condolences to Ed and family. She will be truly missed ❤️
Our condolences to family and friends. She will be warmly remembered.
Our condolences to you and your family. Brenda always had a beautiful smile. Lots of love Tina, Walter, Corey and Holly Noble
My heartfelt condolences to Ed and families. I got to know Brenda through the Colborne Legion. We worked together on occasion and her Christmas cakes were delicious. She worked hard every year to get them done. She will be sadly missed.
To Brenda family and close friends..Brenda was a great gal..so fun to be around..I have so many great memories of our time spent at the colborne curling club and on the golf course...you will be missed ..please accept my sincere condolences..Rosemary Taylor..
Krista and family Steven and family My heart goes out to you. As you know your Mom and I were friends for over 50 years. That is a lot of talks and so much laughter. Brenda was a beautiful person and will be missed by so many. I believe all of us are better people to have had her in our lives. We now have a wonderful guardian angel 🥰😇 Jan Tooley
I was lucky enough to work with Brenda at Darcy Place many years ago. Her smile and laugh were infectious and she always chuckled at my stupid jokes. She will be missed... Kathy and John Roxborough
Our Deepest Condolences to Ed & The Graham Family. Brenda was Full of Life! We enjoyed Our Boating time with her & Friends. Great memories!!
Cathy, Margo, Jane and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
To Cathy and family we were sorry to hear of Brenda's passing. Thinking about you's at this difficult time. Cherish all the good memories. Wendy and Rick
So Sorry Cathy About Your Sister..!! I WentTo High School With Brenda ..Only Seen Her a Couple Of Times In Later Years..!! Our Hearts And Thoughs Are With You and The Penfold Family At This Sad Time..!! May God Bless..!!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My sincere condolences to all of Brenda’s family. She was a cheerful person, always seeing the bright side of things. Cherish your memories
Dear Cathy and Family so sorry to hear of Brendas passing.She always had a smile when I seen her.Cherish the memories.
Rest in Peace Aunt Brenda. My condolences to Krista, Stephen, and the rest of her family.
We are sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. She was a sweet lady. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time of grief. RIP Brenda
So sorry to hear about Brenda. She was always such a pleasant lady, i enjoyed her company and will miss her.
Stephen and Stephanie and the boys, sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom and Grandmother. Hold you memories and she remains among you.
Margo Kevin and Families So sorry to hear about your sister Brenda, she was such a lovely lady. Please accept our condolences during this difficult time. Thinking of you all with love. Sandra and Rick
Sorry for your loss. May your memories, family and friends help during the difficult days ahead.
My condolences Cathy, Jane and Louis, Margo and family on your loss.
Brenda has been the most wonderful neighbour for over 20 years. She was always kind. Always ready with a smile and a big hello. I'll never forget her, when my son was small, he'd grab his bubble mower and wait by the fence for Brenda. She'd get her lawnmower and they'd mow "together". Over the years we've grown to love her dearly and will miss her so much
Ed, Cathy, Jane, Margo, Krista, Steven and extended families. We were all deeply saddened to learn of Brenda's passing. Brenda and I kept in touch over the years and shared news about our families. We always enjoyed visiting with Brenda on our trips back to Baltimore/Cobourg and her visits with us in B.C. A caring and loving person and a great cousin we will miss her smiles and laughter. We are sorry we will not be able to attend the Celebration of Life for Brenda, but our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Rest in peace Brenda.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
To the families: Brenda will be missed by all who knew her. She had such a great laugh (more of a giggle) and infectious smile always. Thinking of all of you at this sad and difficult time. RIP
I knew Brenda from working at Darcy Place.She was a sweet pleasant lady.Always a chuckle an a smile when we met.My heartfelt condolences going out to her family & friends.Share your memories. She will always live on in your heart ♥ RIP
Brenda was one of a kind. She was not just our neighbour for the last 21 years but our treasured friend. She was so kind and compassionate helping others and taking them to their doctor appointments even after her own diagnosis. We shared lots of stories and had the best time in the summer sitting in her carport having a glass of wine and sharing laughs. We called it "Carport Wine" When Susan was hospitalized she made sure to bring over home made meals to Tom. To Susan she was the best friend she had ever had. Always sharing recipes of the wonderful meals she would prepare. We cannot look across the street and believe she is gone. She is missed deeply. Our most sincere condolences to Krista and Stephen and their families.
I am so sorry to hear of Brenda's passing. My thoughts are with her family at this time.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. As a dear friend to my grandmother, Carol, I had the privilege of knowing Brenda for most of my life. She was truly a bright light, always smiling, kind, and full of warmth, with a laugh that stayed with you. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Ed and family, sending our deepest condolences. We were stunned to learn of Brenda's sudden passing. Her friendly smile, laughter and warmth will be definately missed around our boat group. Keeping you in our thoughts. Sherie & Barry
Jane, Louis and family Very saddened to hear of your sister Brenda's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Roger & Barbara Jean Fournier & Families
My sincerest sympathy to Brenda’s family. I had the privilege of working with Brenda many years ago at Darcy Place and I so loved working with her. She had a smile that would light up a room and laugh that was so contagious that you just had to laugh with her. Although I haven’t seen Brenda in several years I always treasured the time that we spent together. She had such a zest for life and touched so many lives ❤️
Cathy, Krista and all of Brenda's family. I am sorry to hear of Brenda's sudden passing. I will always remember her beautiful big smile and wonderful laugh. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Sending my sincere condolences. Lynne Sherwin
Brenda was definitely one in a million. Her laughter was infectious, her stories of her travels were that of a great adventurer and always loved a good joke. She will be missed greatly. Condolences to the whole family.
Ed, Krista, Stephen and your families, we are so sad and shocked to hear of Aunt Brenda’s passing. We will remember her for her adventurous and kind spirit. In particular we hold close the great memories we have of her at our wedding cruise 20 years ago. It still brings us a smile and a giggle. For her family, extended family and friends, may your memories help to comfort you. We cannot be there in person as you celebrate her life, so we will do so at our end privately on Friday. We will miss her dearly ❤️
To Brenda’s family, her husband Ed, her children, grandchildren, siblings, and many family members, I am so deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear of her passing. Brenda was such an endearing and wonderful friend with such a beautiful heart that embraced so many. Her love of family, friends, travel, stories told and shared, she truly enjoyed life, meeting new friends, near, far and wide. Always a helping hand, evidenced in her devotion to her Legion and community, always a kind word and a joy to be with. Her laughter and “joi de vive”, will always reverberate in my memory of her forever. Please accept my sincerest and deepest condolences. Brenda,,, may you lay in gentle peace and rest in God’s loving embrace. You will be sadly and deeply missed. Lovingly remembered my dear friend. 💔🙏 Marion Chalut
My condolences to all of Brenda's family.
Cathy, Jane and Margo I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister Brenda. Thinking of you and your family.
What a sudden loss of a classy lady who was always smiling and when you suddenly met her, she conveyed a friendly and special interest in how you were doing and she was always glad to see you. The last time we saw her was when she and Arlene had non similar appointments at Cobourg hospital on January 23rd and she both looked and said that she felt well. Our heartfelt condolences to family members and her sisters Cathy, Jane and Margo on the passing of Brenda. She will be sorely missed.
Sorry for your loss
We worked with Brenda for many years at D’Arcy Place Developmental Centre. Brenda was always a pleasure to be around. Quick to smile and Quick to share a laugh. She will be missed by those she shared her life with and will be remembered fondly. She was a coworker but mostly she was a friend. Paul & Melanie
My condolences to Brenda’s family. We worked together at Darcy Place.Such a sweet and caring lady.
The family of Brenda; We are deeply saddened by your loss xoxoxo Brenda was a very loving woman, who accepted people for who they were and loved many. For those that don't know us; we are a part of her extended family - niece of Eds'. She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. RIP, no pain, just lots of love waiting for you ~ until we meet again xoxoxo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
None of you in Brenda's family will know me. My mother was a Little and for many years Brenda would accompany my cousin Janet to the Little family picnic in Little Britain. Janet Urch and I are first cousin's and I had the pleasure of having in my home mid October along with Janet and another cousin Bev, and I took the girls to Oktoberfest. I have only very fond memories of Brenda through travel and her presence in Janet's life. She was a wonderful, friendly lady who spoke highly of all of you. Please accept my sincere condolences. I probably cannot attend the Celebration of Life because I fell and broke a vertebrae in my back mid January. I do hope when the weather improves I can come and see or visit with some of you. Sincerely Margaret Fannon
I was so sad to hear of Brenda’s passing. She will forever be my Aunt Brenda and I will always cherish my many, many happy memories of her…specifically our pub crawl in Key West 20 years ago! Whenever we reminisced about that time we still laughed hysterically. It will continue to be one of my most favourite memories of her. Rest well Brenda, you will be missed forever. My sincerest condolences Ed, Krista, Stephen and all of Brenda’s extended family.
To the Penold, Calvert and Williams Families. I am so very sad to hear of Brenda's passing. She has been a part of my life for so long that I can hardly think of her being gone. Ed, Krista, John, Stephen and Stephanie, my heart goes out to you with this terrible loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts. I will miss her smile and infectious giggle, and her memory will always be treasured.
To the Penfold family, I am so truly sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing, she was a beautiful person, my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time 💕
To the Penfold family, I am so truly sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing, she was a beautiful person, my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time 💕
Krista and John, so sorry to read of your mum's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Cherish your memories, which I am sure you have many.
We were so sorry to hear of Brenda’s sudden passing. It seems like only yesterday that we were emailing back and forth, talking about travel, recipes and everyone’s accomplishments , fun times and sometimes trials and tribulations! She was a loving, caring friend and cousin! To Christa and Stephen and all the family we send our deepest sympathies. We will be thinking of you all and of Brenda as you celebrate her life and wish we could be there with you! Rest in peace, Brenda.
I happened to see Brenda about 15-20 years ago and started to talk and we realized that she worked with my mom at the Ontario Psych Hospital in Cobourg years ago. After that initial meeting a friendship and mutual respect grew. I found Brenda to be a soft spoken, beautiful soul who would help those in need. But she could also speak her mind and not be walked all over. My last encounter with Brenda happened to be at Cobourg Hospial 20 January for mutual reasons. She was upbeat, looked great, and said she felt good. So I'm shocked to hear of her passing and unfortunately for medical reasons cannot attend her service. Please cherish your memories!
Graham family so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with your Mom when she worked for Donna. She was always a delight to work with. Blessings to everyone.
Steve and family. So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Thinking of you all
Sending our deepest condolences to Krista and Stephen and all of Brenda’s friends and extended family. Your mom was always ready for anything, with a big smile and lots of enthusiasm.