Obituary of Brenda Anne Rutherford

A Life remembered: Brenda

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Brenda Anne Rutherford (née Stengel) on April 6th, 2026, at the age of 71. A woman of extraordinary strength and fortitude, she lived as a force of nature - unyielding, loving, and unforgettable.

She was a devoted mother to Kathy Costa (Alan), Jesse Rutherford (Chelsea) and Chris Rutherford (Maureen); a doting grandmother to Nick, Rayne, Tristan, Sidney, Russel, Ethan, Kody and Zoe; sister to Linda Knuckle (late Gerry), Rebecca Parent (Gary), Randy Stengel (Christine), the late Robert Stengel and Kerry Stengel (Vicky); a wonderful aunt and generous friend to many.

From early on, she carried a strong will and a quiet determination-she knew who she was, and she wasn’t afraid to do things her own way. That stubborn streak became one of her most defining traits, not as something harsh, but as a reflection of her strength. Brenda stood firm in what she believed in, especially when it came to caring for others.

She built a life around helping people, first as a CYW, then as a respite worker and finally, through her work with the Children’s Aid Society. It was more than just a job-it was a calling. She had a deep compassion for children and a natural instinct to protect and support those who needed it most.

Outside of her work, Brenda found joy in her garden, tending to her plants with the same care and patience she gave to the people in her life. Her garden was more than a hobby-it was a reflection of her quiet strength, her dedication, and the love she poured into everything she touched. She took pride in her garden and enjoyed gathering with loved ones in her backyard.

But if there was any role that brought her the most joy, it was being a grandmother. Her eight grandchildren were at the center of her world, and she loved them fiercely and completely. In her own way-steady, strong, and full of love-she made each of them feel cared for.

Brenda will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, her generous heart, and the way she lived life on her own terms. She showed her love through her actions, through her dedication, and through the countless lives she touched along the way.

Her legacy lives on not only in her family, but in every child she helped, every life she made a little better, and every memory she leaves behind-like a garden that continues to grow, even after she is gone in the tree we will plant in her memory at Dieppe Gardens.

A cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Windsor Chapel Central (1700 Tecumseh rd E) on Sunday, April 12th at 1pm with a luncheon to follow at the Riverside Sportsmen Club (10835 Riverside Dr E). A livestream of the memorial service may be found HERE