BELL (Bates) Brenda Clare - age 61, of Nictaux, Annapolis County, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2014, in the Heart of the Valley Long Term Care Centre, Middleton, with her husband by her side. Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late Emmett and Agnes Bates. Growing up in New Waterford Brenda attended St. Agnes School and graduated from Breton Education Centre. She played soccer, basketball and field hockey while in high school. Brenda was a member of the girls basketball team that won the provincial championship and played in the Nova Scotia Regional Games as a member of the girls all-star team that represented the Cape Breton region. She attended Nova Scotia Teachers College from 1973 - 76, graduating with the title of Associate in Education. While there Brenda played varsity field hockey and broomball and was a member of student council. She was elected life-time Vice President of her graduating class. In 1991, Brenda graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Education degree. She began her teaching career in Arcadia, Yarmouth County in 1976. Brenda substituted in Halifax and Dartmouth from 1978 - 81 and was a school librarian from 1981 - 91. She then taught in remote northern communities in Manitoba until 2000 when she was forced into retirement because of the debilitating effects of Huntington Disease. Brenda loved teaching and was devastated when she was no longer able to continue in her chosen vocation. Her students loved her for her compassion, kindness, generosity and sense of humour. After her retirement many of her students continued to write her letters. Brenda is survived by her husband, Bill and stepdaughter, Judy; sisters, Margie and Irene; brothers, Ardie (Linda), Maynard (Annette), Vernon (Anna), Leo, Martin (Brenda) and Morley (Rosanne); goddaughter, Colleen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her stepdaughter, Rosemary; brother, Raymond. A very special thank you to the dedicated and caring staff of the Heart of the Valley Long Term Care Centre, which was Brenda's home for the last three years and nine months of her life. There will be a Celebration of Brenda's Life which will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 29th. At St. Leonard's Hall, Convent St. New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntington Society of Canada. As per Brenda's wishes, cremation has already taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1 (855) 825-3448. On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com