Brenda Lou Cotton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, in Lake Placid, New York, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Brenda Lou Brunner on March 31, 1954, in Montreal, Quebec.

Brenda was the devoted wife of Rich Cotton and the proud and loving mother of Laura (Charlie) Moyer and Emily Cotton. Nothing brought Brenda greater joy than her family, especially her cherished grandchildren, Graham and Penelope, who were the light of her life.

She is also survived by her loving sister Barbie (Bill) Regii, her brother David (Rhonda) Brunner, and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Joan and Lou Brunner, and her half-sister, Beverly Stitt.

Brenda dedicated her professional life to education and to helping young people succeed. After completing both her undergraduate and master's degrees in Education at Bowling Green State University, she became a highly respected educator in the Lake Placid school system. She served as Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education, where she mentored countless students and families with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering advocacy.

Even after retirement, Brenda's passion for helping others drew her back to work. She served as Student Learning Service Coordinator at the former National Sports Academy and later finished her career establishing a Learning Center at Northwood School — a role that perfectly reflected her dedication to supporting students and helping them reach their full potential.

Brenda embraced life fully and joyfully. She loved baking — especially desserts — as well as walking, hiking, skiing, reading, and painting. Her happiest moments were often the simplest ones: sitting with family and friends, sharing a drink, laughing, reminiscing, and making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved.

Though Brenda touched many lives through her work and friendships, her heart always belonged to her family. She was the central figure in the lives of so many —deeply kind, compassionate, fiercely loyal, quick witted and authentically herself. Her warmth and strength created a home wherever she was.

One of Brenda's greatest joys was spending summers at her beloved home in Percé on Québec's Gaspé Peninsula. There she gathered with cousins and loved ones who traveled from across Canada and around the world, creating treasured memories that will live on for generations.

During the final eight months of her journey, Brenda was surrounded by an extraordinary "team" of friends and family — Karen, Casey, Rhonda, Mary, Margie, Sybil, Cathy, Laurie and Lisa — whose endless food, care, friendship and support brought great comfort to both Brenda and her family.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of M. B. Clark Funeral Home. Brenda's funeral and celebration of life will be held later this summer in Percé, Québec.

Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photo, and leave condolences to be added to the Memorial Tribute Book for the family to cherish.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda's memory may be made to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or the Lake Placid Food Pantry.

Brenda's presence, laughter, wisdom and love will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created and the lives she touched will remain forever.