Brenda J. Bourgeois

GARDNER – Brenda J. (Blakley) Bourgeois, 64, of 43 Dyer Street, died Friday evening, December 4, 2020 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.

She was born in South Gardner on September 19, 1956, daughter of Marcia E. (Blakley) Stillings and the late Robert R. Blakley.  She met her husband and soul mate, Steven Bourgeois in 1978.  They were married on June 21, 1980 at Chestnut Street United Methodist Church in Gardner, and just celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary.  Brenda lived in Gardner her entire life and was a cancer survivor in 2000, having received a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. Most recently, she battled MDS cancer and had a second bone marrow transplant January, 2020. She fought both battles with a positive attitude and smile on her face.

In addition to her husband and mother, Brenda leaves two children, Lucas J. Bourgeois and his partner Jeremy Knox of South Tampa, FL and Lynsie Adams and her husband Neil of Waltham, MA; a grandson, Blake Emory Adams “her pride and joy”; a brother, Gary Blakley of Ashburnham; mother-in-law Helen Monette of East Templeton, sisters–in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda and Steve Baronoski of Phillipston, and Terri and Tom Carrier of Winchendon; her stepfather, Carlton Stillings; nieces and nephews, Jacob, Shawn, Shawn, Craig, Brandi, Alex, Shane, and Ryan.  She also leaves close family friends, Richard and Saundra Amistadi, Dane and Brittany Wilson and Tom and Marissa Garrity and their children, whom she considered to be her grandchildren.  Many of Brenda’s friends fondly called her “B”.

Brenda was a 1974 graduate of Gardner High School and a graduate of Mt. Wachusett Community College with degrees in Fine Art, Business and Graphic Design. She was employed at Simplex Time Recorder Co. from 1978-1995 and Mt. Wachusett Community College in the Assessment Center for 22 years until her retirement.

Brenda volunteered and bartended at Otter River Sportsmens Club for many years where her husband was a member.  She rode motorcycles, loved classic car rides, enjoyed shopping for antiques, was very artistic, crafty, and played the ukulele. She also loved working in her yard, spending time with family and friends, and sipping her favorite cocktail in the pine grove. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and would light up a room with radiant energy and smile. Her favorite places were Westport Island, Maine with her best friend Saundra, and anywhere there was a margarita with Linda Baronoski.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Friday, December 11, 2020 from 5 to 7 P.M.  Masks and social distancing are required.

A private funeral service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 in the funeral home.  Services will be streamed and may be viewed at the following link: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1107110

Memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute: Hematologic (Blood) Cancers.

www.stone-ladeau.com