Brenda Bessette

Brenda A. Bessette Burlington/Wolcott Brenda A. Bessette (Runaway and Dead Eye) my fiancé and best friend, passed away on Thursday November 3, 2016 at University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. She was born on December 6, 1951 in Burlington daughter of the late Norman and Katherine (Dubray) Bessette. Brenda graduated from Burlington High School in 1969 and dedicated 32 years of service to the University of Vermont before retiring in 2011. Brenda was adored by her UVM colleagues and her contagious laugh radiated the halls of Kalkin. Brenda was by far the most meticulous person around, every i was dotted and every t crossed. Her 4’11” frame, although small in size, was large in life. She loved her grandchildren, and had the loudest cheer at their hockey, soccer and baseball games. She loved to spend time with her daughters, especially the annual shopping trips. Most of all, she loved the outdoors – hunting, fishing, camping, boating, riding her Harley Davidson and her snowmobiles. Brenda’s nickname, Dead Eye was earned because she never missed her target. Her adventurous hunting trips with David gave her the greatest excitement – deer, bear, caribou, turkey, pheasant, etc. in Vermont, Maine, New York, Illinois, Wyoming, Alaska, and Canada were among the several excursions she took. Her proudest achievement was the 28-point non-typical deer in velvet she harvested in August right before her return to the hospital. The woods will never be the same. She is survived by her fiancé, David L. Modica of Wolcott, her daughter Carey Lube and husband Michael of Allen TX, her daughter Jennifer Fath and husband Stephen of Colchester, her brother Norman P. Bessette Jr. and his wife Louise of Madison, GA, 6 grandchildren Kimberly Matthews, Benedict and Meredith Lube, Samuel, Brendan, and Collin Fath, her nephew Norman P. Bessette III, her niece Emily Bessette, and several cousins and dear friends. Brenda was predeceased by her grandson, Oliver Wyatt Lube in 2008, several cousins, and her most beloved dog, Teddy Bear. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Elise Everett and to the nurses on McClure 6 for the compassionate care and friendship they provided to Brenda during her 3-year battle with cancer. She passed peacefully in their care with her loving family by her side. Visiting hours will be held on Monday November 7, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday November 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Co-Cathedral of St. Josephs, Burlington with Reverend Lance Harlow officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made to the Lamoille County Cancer Network, 198 Farr Ave, Morrisville, VT 05661. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.