Avid gardener, reader and pickleball enthusiast was active in numerous community groups Brenda Joyce Balon, of South Burlington, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, died unexpectedly on March 5 at the age of 63. Brenda’s life was defined by love, community, and acts of kindness. Brenda grew up in Rhode Island and graduated as valedictorian at Saint Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, R.I. She later earned a degree in human biology from Brown University and an MBA from Simmons College. Brenda married the love of her life, Douglas Courtney Smith, in 1995. They lived in Needham, Mass., where they welcomed their two cherished children: son Nolan in 1998 and daughter Audrey in 2001. The family has lived in South Burlington since 2007. Brenda was an active and adventurous spirit. She found joy in many outdoor activities with friends and family, and she was especially enthusiastic about pickleball. Brenda’s kindness and generosity were evident in her many community roles within the South Burlington School District, the UU Church, South Burlington Community Justice Center, and more. She was an avid gardener, reader and baker and greatly enjoyed belonging to book and cookbook clubs, among many others. Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Doug; son Nolan and daughter Audrey; mother, Irene; and brothers, Stanley, Michael and Bruce. Brenda leaves several cherished nieces and nephews, along with an extraordinary number of friends. Brenda’s legacy of love, joy and a life well-lived will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who knew her. A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on Sunday, March 30, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vt. We recommend viewing a more complete obituary at Stephen C. Gregory and Son at gregorycremation.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda’s memory may be made to Spectrum Youth and Family Services… ...read more read less