Tributes to Brenda

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Brenda Duke, a remarkable Hamiltonian whose passion, generosity, and leadership left a lasting mark on our city. A 2020 Order of Hamilton recipient, Brenda was the founder of Beautiful Alleys: believing in the power of community, inspiring hundreds of volunteers to care for Hamilton’s parks, gardens, alleys, and shared spaces. She served on the City of Hamilton’s Clean and Green Citizen Committee, led the adoption of Powell Park and Birch Avenue Greenspace, co-led Woodlands Park, and many more. Brenda also served as the coordinator of the North End Breezes, ensuring the community paper came together through her leadership and dedication. She showed what is possible when care for place is matched with commitment to people. On behalf of the City of Hamilton, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire our city.

Mayor Andrea Horwath

Brenda will be remembered not only for her passion for making our neighbourhoods a better place, but for her ability to include others in projects.  Her legacy wont just be what she has accomplished, but that she carved a path for others.  She will be missed!  

Sheri Selway, Breezes Volunteer, Delivery Team

The Breezes have lost a true champion, Brenda’s was a big part of the North End Community through her work on the Breezes and Beautiful Alleys. She will be sadly missed, on behalf of the staff and patrons of Fisher’s Pier 4 our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
– Eddie Fisher, Pier 4 Pub

Many people have rightfully referred to Brenda as a force of nature. She was that . She was also a force with nature. The energy she derived from her passion for all things garden- oriented drove her to beauty greenspaces wherever she found them. Her vision led to the creation of Beautiful Alleys, with its both upper and lower city gangs roaming the Alleys leaving them better than they found them. Her embrace of Powell Park and its neighborhoods, with Easter. Halloween and Christmas celebrations gave birth to a whole new level of neighborhood engagement and community.
As the co-founder of the Track Gang she visualized a cleaner and more welcoming entrance for railway passengers on their way through Hamilton. To date that vision has powered the removal of over 55 tons of tracks from the rights of way.
She earned the merit bestowed upon her by the city, as she deserved the public outpouring of grief stained love. She would be delighted to see all the people who were drawn to her light.

– Frank Rocchi

To me and many others, Brenda was a fierce advocate and leader in bettering her community. She not only was someone who would seek improvements for the good of the community, she also had a special gift for uplifting community members and gently encouraging others to contribute to community in mutually beneficial ways. When it came to acknowledging the hard work and dedication it takes to commit to community building, Brenda thought only of others. She was always appreciative of the contributions of others and sought recognition for their efforts – something she was more than deserving of herself. Brenda’s warm approach, friendly banter, and immeasurable local impact will be remembered fondly and will be greatly missed. 

Katie Fitzgerald, Breezes Publication Team

Brenda was a passionate community leader in Hamilton’s Barton Village, whose dedication to neighbourhood gardens and green spaces left a lasting mark on her community. Through the Barton Village garden efforts and the Birge Street Meadow project, both supported by the Green Cities Foundation, Brenda became a valued supporter of our mission and a powerful advocate for community-led green spaces. Here is a video as well where she was featured: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh4t8Kf0WQ4

Thank you, Rebecca Doutre, Executive Director, Green Cities Foundation 

Brenda was a passionate community leader in Hamilton’s Barton Village, whose dMy thoughts are with Brenda Duke’s family during this difficult time. Brenda’s contributions, including the beautiful public spaces she championed, will continue
to enrich our Hamilton community.

– Robin Lennox, Member
of Provincial Parliament, Hamilton Centre

Brenda was an amazing woman. She was dedicated to the North End, not just Barton Street where she improved the area with flower planters and clean ups. Brenda supported ventures all over the North End. I could always call on her for advice in projects regarding Sunset Garden. Brenda’s dedication over many years to The Breezes was exemplary. 

She will be missed by many. Her name will live on in the Birch Avenue Brenda Duke Greenspace

Sandra Hudson, Sunset Garden Volunteer

I had the privilege of a brief visit with Brenda in her final days. She remained deeply committed to better communities. Brenda loved her lower city and never excluded anyone.  If you wanted to lend a hand or an opinion, it didn’t matter – she welcomed all who shared the view of maintaining and enhancing safe and flourishing neighbourhoods.  

Jason Farr, Former Councillor, Ward 2

I believe that Brenda could cast spells. Before you realized that you had agreed to doing something, you were into it full speed. When we first met, she had just become the Coordinator / Editor for the North End Breezes. I was contributing a book review column. And then, I suddenly became the Editorial Assistant and Brenda’s friend. I regret neither. She was determined and talented. We occasionally shared difference of opinion on something but that discussion always ended on a positive note. I respected her knowledge, her passion for building community and her belief that something could always be better. I will miss you my friend.

Kit Darling, Volunteer Publication Team

As a former board member for the North End Breezes, I had the opportunity to work with Brenda Duke. She was a tireless champion of community and connection through her work as editor of the Breezes. Brenda was the heart and driving force behind the Breezes, and as editor, she brought an unwavering commitment to community storytelling and to making sure local voices were heard. 

She was persistent, never easily discouraged, and always found a way to make things happen. Her passion, determination, and genuine care for bringing people together was admirable, and her impact on the North End will be felt for years to come.

Kristina Santone, Welcome Inn