Brenda Barkyoumb dies at age 62

BRENDA LEE BARKYOUMB
February 27, 1959 - January 31, 2022

Fairfax, VT--Brenda Lee Barkyoumb, 62, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on January 31, 2022, after a courageous 3.5-year battle with cancer. Brenda was born on February 27, 1959 in Burlington, VT, the Daughter of Kenneth Barkyoumb and Jean (Brodeur). She grew up in Westford and graduated from Essex High School class of 1977. She met her life-long partner Ike Irish and together with their kids, they spent the rest of their days together gardening; playing with their beloved dogs; hosting target shoots and 4th of July parties to raise funds for the local fire department; family gatherings at the "lean-to" camping lot and cooking large meals for the many that stopped by their home. Every year Brenda would cook a Thanksgiving meal and invite their friends that no longer had family to be with. One thing is for certain, you never went hungry if you stopped by for a visit!

Brenda was a kind, gentle soul that generously gave to others and was extremely hard working. She had a beautiful sparkle in her eyes and a warmth in her smile. Brenda was well known for her incredible ability to love and care for animals, especially dogs. She was an amazing cook! Her loved ones always looked forward to her annual fall treats of popcorn balls and rice crispy treats; and she was the family cake maker for all celebrations. A caretaker by nature, she cared for all that needed her and never asked for a thing in return. She was so generous, loving and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her siblings were her very best friends and shared a special place in her heart. She enjoyed her days with them playing games, telling stories, and sharing a giggle.

Brenda held several jobs over the years including a job she loved at the Milton Bradley plant in Fairfax, and most recently being the proud owner of Happy Tails Inn and Spa, a kennel, dog grooming and doggy daycare business she ran from her home. She worked tirelessly through her illness and was so saddened to have to close shop when she became too ill. Her clients still rave about the care she provided, some finding it difficult to find a replacement that even came close to what they had with Brenda.

Brenda is survived by her children, Austin Irish, of Jeffersonville, Lorraine Titus of Milton, Howard and wife Kristine Irish of Fairfax, Dorene and husband Bob Whitley, of North Bend, WA; her grandchildren, Kelsie Corbeil (Irish), Connor, Madison and Alison Irish, Ryan Titus, Jasmine and Emma Whitley; her great-grandchildren, Kason and Kenna Corbeil; her Siblings, Janet and husband Roger Yandow, of Essex, Betty Severance, of Sheldon, Linda and husband Richard Mathieu, of Westford, Ken Barkyoumb JR., of Bolton, Debra and husband Mark Irish or Fairfax, Susan and husband Doug Corse, of Fairfax; Ike's siblings, Betsy Berardinelli, Marge and husband George Jagodzinski, Christine Williams, Ron and wife Barbara Irish Sr., Linda and husband Bob Turner, Sheila and husband Bret Reece, Mark and wife Debra Irish; A special Aunt and Uncle Buzz & Alice Collins. many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and beloved companions (her babies) dogs Harley and Garth.

She is predeceased by her life partner Ike (Larry) Irish; son-in-law Jeffrey Titus; father, Kenneth Barkyoumb; mother, Jean Barkyoumb; brother, Frank Barkyoumb; sister, Sandra Cutting; sister Gloria Ledoux; brother-in-law Ron Cutting; brother-in-law Al Ledoux and brother-in-law, John Severance; sister-in-law Carol Barkyoumb; nephew, Jim Cutting; nephew Brian Barkyoumb.

The family wishes to thank Bayada Hospice of Colchester, VT for their outstanding care and support of Brenda for the last 3 months.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5PM to 7PM at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton, VT.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11 am in St Luke's Catholic Church, Fairfax VT. Following the Funeral Mass, burial will take place in St. Luke's Cemetery

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Eagles Cub, Jeffersonville VT; Fairfax Fire and Rescue, Fairfax VT or Franklin County Human Society, St Albans VT.