Remembering Brenda Duke

Tribute to Long Time North End Breezes Editor and Community Champion

Our editor and dear friend, Brenda Duke, passed away on Sunday January 11th, 2026. Those who had the privilege of knowing her remember Brenda as a tenacious fighter. She faced her illness with courage and determination, never losing her spirit. She leaves behind her loving family and a wide circle of friends whose lives she enriched in countless ways.

Growing up on the family farm just outside a small town, Brenda yearned for the Big City Lights and tossed her gum boots and garden hoe aside for life on Hamilton Mountain in the 1970's before finding her "forever home" in Gibson Lansdale neighborhood. With a background in banking and real estate, she helped shape what was to become the GALA hub, participating in numerous action groups, organizing events like the Easter egg hunts, community festivals and park cleanups as well as sitting as Treasure and later becoming Chairperson for two terms.

A strong believer in life-long learning. Brenda managed to juggle a full-time job and her extensive volunteer work and entering Hamilton’s Neighbourhood  Leadership Institute program to that she would better understand the means and methodology of making lasting social and institutional change within GALA and the City.

Brenda was passionate about building stronger, more connected communities. Through her unwavering commitment to volunteering, she inspired others, young and old alike, to get involved and make a difference in their neighbourhoods. Whether it was rallying volunteers to clean up alleyways and railway tracks, transforming unused spaces and hydro rights-of-way into vibrant parks and gardens, or dedicating her time and talent to The Gala Herald and our own North End Breezes, Brenda led by example. If you met Brenda, chances are you soon found yourself volunteering too; her enthusiasm was truly contagious. “Yes, I’d love to help. I’ll do that…” were words often heard from those drawn in by her encouragement.

Brenda’s tireless leadership and many achievements did not go unnoticed. Among the recognitions she received were Absolutely Fabulous Women Over 40 recognizing her leadership and community impact (2016) Women Who Rock Award (2019) and the Order of Hamilton in 2020 for her tireless work with Beautiful Alleys which she helped grow from a few alleys to a Citywide initiative. From a few neighbors to pick up illegally dumped garbage and litter to now involving several 100's....a City Cheerleader for Garbage & Gardening and a valuable member of the City's CLEAN GREEN TEAM.

Her legacy lives on in the renaming of Birch Avenue Greenspace; a beautiful space with trees, gardens, and benches nestled in a hydro right-of-way just behind her home, now to be known as Brenda Duke Greenspace. It’s a fitting tribute, allowing Brenda to continue keeping watch over a neighbourhood she loved.

Brenda will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched, and by all those who will continue to benefit from her energy, vision, and determination for years to come.