Brenda Ciulla
February 12, 2023
February 12, 2023
February 12, 2023
Brenda (Sheehey) Ciulla
Feb 7, 1964 - Feb 12, 2023
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we say goodbye to Brenda (Sheehey) Ciulla, who passed peacefully on Sun, Feb 12, 2023 at her home in Surrey, BC, with her husband Gino, sons Anthony and Gavin, and cousin Derek by her side. She was 59.
Brenda was born and grew up in Oshawa, Ontario. It was there that she developed so many lifelong friendships which she continued to nurture for years after moving to BC in 2005. Love, kindness, respect, determination, perseverance, and professionalism are lasting impressions she has left on so many people across Canada.
Brenda graduated from Fleming College, in Peterborough, ON in 1987 then began her career as a Fashion Sales Consultant for Sam Slavin Agency in Toronto, ON. There she developed a great rapport with coworkers and retail buyers, many of which she maintained as friendships to this day. In 1996, Brenda made a career change, became a full-time mother and soon after began advocating for the rights of children to pursue their education in an environment that is safe, secure and conducive to learning.
Brenda had many passions - sales, fashion, the outdoors, hiking, biking and traveling with Gino, and being by the water - but none of these passions rivaled the efforts she made in nurturing relationships with friends and most importantly, the honour and privilege she felt from raising her two sons to be the best versions of themselves.
Following a live donor transplant in 2010, donated by one of her closest friends, Brenda devoted some of her life to giving back to her community. She spent many hours volunteering for the Daffodil Program in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, advocating for the rights of students with disabilities and allergies in both Ontario and BC schools and was the Fundraising Program Manager at the Happy Liver Society. The Happy Liver Society is a registered charity that provides affordable temporary housing to people in BC having to travel to Vancouver for organ transplantation. Raising awareness and generating donations for the foundation through local canvassing was pertinent for the support of many local transplant patients and their families throughout the year. Each Christmas, the goal for Karen (the President) and Brenda was to provide the affected families with a traditional holiday meal, snacks and treats, adding a little more joy of the season into their lives. In 2019, at their annual gala, the Happy Liver Society recognized Brenda’s drive and dedication to the cause, and honoured her with their Gift of Life Award, recognition previously given to the many Surgeons and medical practitioners that save and support the lives of transplant recipients everyday.
She touched the lives of more people than she knew. She cared so deeply about others and was able to see their struggles, and even with everything she was facing, she could find a way to give them what they needed. She will never be forgotten.
Brenda is predeceased by her parents Donald Sheehey and Ruby Doreen (Hobden) Sheehey, father-in-law Francesco Ciulla and sister-in-law Angela (White) Ciulla. She is survived by her siblings Rick (Kate), Wendy (Bob) and Brian (Lisa), mother-in-law Concetta (Foto) Ciulla, in-laws Joe and Connie Ciulla and Peter and Georgine Ciulla. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
A celebration of Brenda's life is being planned for mid-late March in British Columbia. Once finalized, the details will be distributed.
In lieu of flowers, it was Brenda’s wish for us to support the following charities that she had a close connection with. As an organ recipient, she wanted to encourage everyone to register with their provincial organ and tissue registry. Many lives will be saved by your donation.
Organ Donor Registry
From this site, you can link to your province and complete your province’s application.
https://organtissuedonation.ca/en
Donations
Happy Liver Society supports Stacey House, a temporary home for those who must travel from outside Vancouver to obtain medical support in organ transplantation. Many have to leave their homes for months at a time while continuing to incur the expenses at home and in Vancouver.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/99606
Blind Hockey Canada is special to Brenda in that her son Anthony lives with low vision but has always excelled in the sport he has the most passion for. Brenda has supported Anthony throughout his hockey years, both in recreational hockey and with Blind Hockey Canada. In recent years, the sport of blind hockey has been expanded outside of Canada and into many countries around the world. With your support, Blind Hockey Canada can introduce this game to more youth participants and drive to have the sport included as part of future Paralympic games.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/43973?v2=true
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Dear Gino & Family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. She is now resting in peace and will no longer suffer as she’s had for many years. We wish you and your family much courage for the difficult times ahead.
❤️John Adamo & Johanne in Montreal
There are no words to express our sorrow in losing Brenda. She was a lifelong friend and inspiration to us and so many others. She will live in our hearts forever. We offer our sincerest condolences to our dear friend Gino, his sons Anthony and Gavin and all members of their extended family.
~ Lisa and Gary McCoy
I am so saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. Gino, wishing you and your family peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
R.I.P. Brenda.
Sandy Muir
Sending my deepest condolences to Brenda’s family and friends. She was such a lovely woman. She never gave up. It is such a sad day for all who knew her. May her devotion to her causes be continued on by others.
~ Rose Marie Griffith
We are deeply sorry for your loss and wish to extend our condolences to your family.
~ Sam an Tina LoMagno
It was an honor and a blessing to have Brenda as a friend. Her kindness, bravery, caring and devotion made her an inspiration to all who knew her. I thank you for the memories we shared and the friendship that I will forever hold dear in my heart. Gino, Anthony and Gavin I hope your beautiful memories and the love you share will help to ease your hearts. Be at peace Brenda. We will see each other later. Thinking of you with so much Love.
~ Belinda Jackson
Our hearts are with the entire family. Brenda was such an inspiration! Now she is with her Mom and Dad and at peace.
~ Kim & Randy Ferguson
Brenda has been a lifelong friend. Although we didn't see each other often when we did it was like yesterday. I will miss her sense of humour and her good soul. Condolences to both of the Ciulla and the Sheehey families. I will never my forget neighbor.
~ Mike Richard
My sincere condolences to Brenda’s family and friends. I have many fond memories of being on committees with her in our sons school in Courtice ON
~ Ann Louise Saunders
Hi Gino. Sorry to hear about Brenda. My condolences to you and your family. May she now rest in peace.
~ Frank Sobil
Our most sincere condolences to you Gino ,Anthony,Gavin on your loss .Brenda was a lady who will leave a lasting impression of courage and determination on every one who knew her .I will miss her phone calls she talked mostly about her love ❤️ for her family and friends.❤️❤️❤️
~ Louise and Howie
Dear Gino, Gavin & Anthony,
We are so very sad to hear of the loss of dear Brenda. She was a beautiful, caring and giving person whom I always admired. Sending our heartfelt condolences to you.
Carol & Pat Frey
~ Carol Frey
Brenda and I met in 2007 just before her battle with cancer. Our friendship grew, and I witnessed her zest for life, family and adventure. She was a faithful and gracious friend. Gino, you were her ROCK and LOVE. Anthony and Gavin her LOVE for you was enduring. Brenda you will forever be in my ❤️ and I cherish the memories. Sincere condolences 🙏 Debbie
~ Debbie Frew
Dear Gino, Anthony, Gavin and Family;
Brenda will always be an unfading light and one who lived an unforgettable life. She was so beautiful inside and out and I will forever treasure the times spent together…laughing, discussing our latest recipes, good books and boys’ sports. I will miss her with all my heart but I know that her bright light will continue to shine in us.
We wish you the comfort of loving memories and the feeling that you will always be connected to Brenda’s unfading light and love ❤️
With heartfelt Sympathy,
Dawn and Craig Torisawa
Our hearts break for the loss of such a beautiful friend, inside and out. Our deepest condolences to Gino, Anthony, Gavin and family. Our prayers and thoughts our with you all. May she rest in peace as we hold memories of her close to our hearts. Her light will continue to shine in all of us.
~ Linda Sweiss
Brenda’s life was far too short. She made an impact on anyone who knew her. I remember how genuine, kind and welcoming she was. Also her infectious laugh and incredible sense of humour. I’ll always remember her. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
~ Sandi Miller
Brenda’s life was far too short. She made an impact on anyone who knew her. I remember how genuine, kind and welcoming she was. Also her infectious laugh and incredible sense of humour. I’ll always remember her. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
~ Sandi Miller
Gino, sending my sincere condolences to you, Anthony, Gavin and your family. I will forever cherish the play dates Brenda and I planned for your boys and Joel on a regular basis. Brenda was a beautiful soul and bright light. She will be missed. Praying the precious memories of her will bring all of you strength. She is at peace now. 💕💕🙏🏻🙏🏻
~ Gillian McCullough
what a beautiful photo and tribute. She was truly a force to be reckoned with. Never met a stronger person in my life. I have nothing but admiration for your lovely wife and mother. She always spoke of you with such love and pride. Hugs to you at this tragic time.
~ pamela barratt
Dear Gino and Family and to the Sheehey Family…..
Brenda was a beautiful soul. Brave and determined are characteristics that come to mind
Great sense of humour and hard worker
My sincere condolences to all. Rest In Peace.
David Wall
~ David wall
Please accept my condolences. I always remember her soft voice and sincerity.
~ Cochrane
Dear Gino and Family,
Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time of such great loss. It is with deepest sympathy that we offer our support, our love, and our prayers. Brenda will always be remembered, and forever loved. 💛
~ Wes & Esther
Gino, Anthony & Gavin,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May your memories of Brenda bring you peace and comfort. Her strength and courage were inspiring to me.
Jill Cochran
~ Jill Cochran
Sending our sincere condolences to the Ciulla and Sheehey families. Our hearts go out to you all!
~ Sharalyn & Rick Campbell
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my friend and neighbour Brenda. Many walks, and many years of passing items over the fence will be with me forever. She made me laugh, and taught me how to navigate through life in the most difficult of days. I will never forget you!
Condolences to Gino, Anthony and Gavin. You will always be in our thoughts.
Ben, Olun, and Britta
~ Britta termaten