Brenda Porteous, a familiar face to many from the front desk of the Osgoode Public Library, died in hospital on September 26, 2020. She leaves behind Amy, Michael and Deanna Porteous; granddaughters Mollie and Emily Porteous; former husband Clayton Porteous; siblings Joey Barrett (Hermina), Christine Allison (Alain), Louise Allison (Jeremiah), Mark Allison (Char) and Melanie Allison (Martin); and their families.
Brenda was born in Ottawa and spent her life in the area. Her love of reading led her to a career surrounded by books at the National Research Council's library; the Ottawa Public Library; and the various libraries of Osgoode Township, where she worked primarily in Osgoode (her home from 1983 to 1998) but also served as the Township's Head Librarian. Legal blindness may have precluded her from driving from 2013 onwards, but it had no apparent effect on her appetite for reading or for watching the news.
Brenda's family thanks Heather Bent and the staff of the Civic Hospital for the help and care that they provided. Her family would appreciate any donations made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation on her behalf. There will be no visitation, but her family will hold a small gathering at a future date to be determined. If you'd like to take part, please contact one of Brenda's children or siblings for details.
