Brenda Lee Hawkins, 64

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda Lee (Sousa) Hawkins, 64, of North Adams. She departed this world peacefully at her home on Monday, January 15th, 2024, surrounded by many loved ones after a short and unexpected battle with cancer.

She was born on January 6th, 1960, to Jeannine and Manuel Sousa, in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she was raised with her brother and three sisters. In 1984 she relocated to North Adams where she made her home as the proud and devoted mother of her son and daughter, Waylon (b. 1980) and Amanda (b. 1983). In 1989, she began a 34-year career as a homelife support counselor, caring for adults with developmental disabilities at BFAIR, where was committed to a career in helping others, before retiring due to health issues in 2023. She made many good friends there and was well-liked and trusted by her coworkers, who have described her as one of the kindest, most trustworthy people they have known. It’s been said that she would listen without judgement and always gave sage advice. She made holidays special for those in her care and would provide everyone with personalized gifts, and was even known to dress up as the Easter Bunny or the Grinch on occasion. As a longtime volunteer for Girl Scouts of America, she would often invite those in her care to join her in her enriching Girl Scout trips and activities.

Brenda was beloved among those who knew her and especially by her large family, with whom she spent much of her leisure time. Perhaps her single favorite activity was taking her grandchildren on vacation, and over the years they were able to accompany her on trips to Disney World, Legoland, The Great Wolf Lodge, Hershey Park, Six Flags, and countless other unforgettable excursions. She also loved decorating for holidays, and we will always have fond memories of Brenda (or “Nana” as her grandkids called her) putting up holiday trees for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and any other occasion she could use to display her impressive collections of themed décor. Many of her days were spent with her grandchildren, to whom she brought immense joy. They will always remember the hours spent making crafts and sewing, summers spent in the pool, shopping trips to the mall, and special sleepovers with Nana. She loved collecting Legos and pressed pennies obtained on her many adventures, and we will never think of The Grinch or The Wizard of Oz without being fondly reminded of our Nana.

Brenda had a characteristic that is quite rare indeed; she was impeccably good and kind. She never had a negative word to say about anyone and discouraged cynicism in others. Everything she ever did, she did to the benefit of someone else, rarely putting her own needs first, and always with a mind towards what was good and right. Her generosity was unmatched; she lived to provide joy for others, and derived her greatest pleasures from witnessing that joy. Of everyone she loved and inspired, she was particularly special in the lives of her daughter and best friend Amanda, her beloved sisters Gloria and Martha, her treasured grandchildren Mitch, Vivianna, Hayden, Zoey, Zakiya, Braley and Randy, and her closest niece Megan Dec-Morgo and nephew James Dec.

Her diagnosis was unexpected and shocking and the family is in disbelief over her sudden departure. Nevertheless, we take comfort in knowing that the immaculate example she set will live in our hearts forever. We are privileged beyond measure for having known her, having been loved by her so deeply, and having had her as a mother, nana, sister, friend, coworker and role model, even though our time with her was cut short. For the time we did have… oh what a great adventure it was. We will always love you and miss you.

Brenda leaves her daughter, Amanda L. Belanger and son-in-law Nathan of North Adams, her son Waylon J. Hawkins of Pownal, VT and stepson Randy J. Cox of North Adams. She also leaves her grandchildren, Mitchell Maynard, Vivianna Belanger, Zoey Hawkins, Braley Cox, Zakiya Hawkins, Randy Cox Jr, and Hayden Belanger. Brenda also leaves her siblings, Manuel J. Sousa Jr., Gloria J. Dec and Martha P. Fox and brother-in-law, James Burd and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Sousa Burd in 2022.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Brenda Hawkins will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 4-6:30 PM, a service will follow at 6:30 PM at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes – WEST CHAPEL 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. There is no burial. Donations may be made in her memory to the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home. To add to the book of memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com