Brenda Evelyn Flanders, 60, of Sarasota, Florida died Jan. 1, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident.

Born on April 23, 1959 in Damariscotta, Maine, she grew up in Wiscasset and graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1977. She attended The University of Maine in Gorham before moving to Sarasota, Florida. She received a B.A. at the University of South Florida and later a master's degree in speech language pathology.

Brenda was a loyal friend and dedicated employee who touched many lives with her work as a speech pathologist in the public schools and in the other jobs she performed in Sarasota and Bradenton: assistant to philanthropist Peg Buzzelli; retail work at The Giving Tree where she loved being surrounded by beautiful art and crafted jewelry; catering with Mattison's; working with the elderly at ALF facilities; and helping women in recovering from substance abuse at A Woman's Place of Sarasota. Ever curious, she ventured to Costa Rica several times to learn the Spanish language; studied art and photography and won first prize twice in Sarasota County fair contests; and studied computer-aided design because she wanted to branch out into that world. Moreover, she was a champion for animals, always with a kitty in house. Recently she had rescued three abandoned bunnies and rearranged her home and life to accommodate them. She was great at backing into a parking spot and wasn’t afraid of a power drill. She could also navigate a large rental truck with confidence and assemble IKEA furniture without swearing once — not what you'd expect from someone so soft and feminine. Brenda was the best treasure hunter in thrift shops and vigilant about recycling and reusing to honor our planet earth.

She was predeceased by her father George Flanders of Wiscasset plus grandparents Paul and Barbara Miete of Alna, Maine and Venice, Florida.

Brenda is survived by her mother, Edith Ann Flanders of Wiscasset; sisters, Deborah Flanders of Wiscasset, Linda Flanders Smith and her husband William (Bill) of Alna, and LuAnn Friede of Middleburg, Florida; brothers, Gary Flanders and his wife Olga Flanders of Rochester, New Hampshire and George Flanders Jr. and his husband Harry McKone of Palm Springs, California. She had many nieces and nephews in Maine, Florida, California and Texas. She also had extended family and many friends in Maine and Florida.

Burial will be in the spring at the family plot in Wiscasset, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your local animal rescue organization in her name.

We will miss this talented, lovely woman. Rest in peace, Brenda.