Brenda Anne Rowley
07 Aug 1953
12 Jun 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Brenda Anne Rowley (née Clarke) on June 12, 2026, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Throughout her journey, Brenda faced each challenge with strength, grace, and determination, inspiring those around her with her resilience and unwavering love for her family.
Born on August 7, 1953, in Toronto, Ontario, Brenda was the beloved wife and best friend of Terry Dale Rowley for 53 years and a devoted mother to her sons, Michael, Jason and Robert (“Bob”) Rowley. Family was the heart of Brenda’s life, and she found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved.
A proud and loving grandmother, Brenda cherished her grandchildren, Justin, Brooklyn, Dayton, Lincoln, Josiah, and Cameron. She took great pride in watching them grow and creating lasting memories with them. Her love, encouragement, and presence in their lives will be remembered always.
Brenda was an integral part of the family business, Terry Rowley Mechanical Inc., where her dedication, hard work, and unwavering support contributed greatly to its success over the years. She was known for her dependability, caring nature, and willingness to help wherever she was needed. Whether supporting her family, friends, or colleagues, Brenda always put others before herself.
Brenda had a special love for animals and shared an extraordinary bond with her beloved rescue dog, Spike. More than a faithful companion, Spike became Brenda’s service dog and was exactly what she needed throughout her cancer journey. His unwavering loyalty, comfort, and companionship brought her strength during the most difficult days and provided countless moments of peace, love, and joy. The bond they shared was truly special and will be remembered by all who witnessed it.
In accordance with Brenda’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Her family will honour and remember her privately, cherishing the many memories and the love she shared throughout her life.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre for the compassionate care and support provided to Brenda.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda’s memory may be made to Happy’s Place Retirement Home for Dogs (https://happysplace.ca/) or to the Waterloo Regional Health Network (https://wrhnf.ca/donate). Brenda’s love for animals and her appreciation for the exceptional care she received make these causes especially meaningful to her family.
Forever loved, always remembered, and deeply missed.
I always remember chatting and being together in the restaurant
Terry, I am so sorry for your loss and for your families
You had a wonderful companion for many years. The memories will always stay with you.
Our condolences to You, Terry and family, sorry to hear the sad news. Think of your family often as our DNA could not be closer with our mothers being sisters and our fathers being brothers. Hope you and your family can handle the grief for your loss but continue to enjoy life with one another and always remember Brenda. Best wishes to you and family.
Keith and Priscilla
So sorry to hear the passing of your loved one. The thing I will remember most about Brenda is her wonderful laugh. You will be missed. Rest in peace Lady. ❤️🙏
April 27 I text Brenda to tell her how much I thought about her through her treatments. I’m so happy I told her I loved her. She was a beautiful great hearted woman that brought joy and laughter in the time I spent with her. I’m going to really miss Brenda’s stories and thoughts on a lot of things we talked about. What an awesome and amazing woman she was. I’m sooo sorry for the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother. Once again I say … love you Brenda 🙏🏻❤️😭
My deepest sympathy and condolences, may God be with your family. ❤️
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Terry!
Very sorry for your loss.
Terry, my deep condolences to you and the family. This is such sad news, Brenda’s life taken way too soon. Wishing you all a path to find comfort in a lifetime of memories.
What a shock. So sorry for the whole family. A great friend from our past
I went to school with Brenda, she was always so tiny. She was smart and always friendly. She was so happy to have her 3 boys and cherished them growing up.
Terry was one of the cool guys at school and they made a great couple. I am so sorry for your loss. She was always beautiful.
The Little Dog Who Changed Everything
In March 2025, Brenda wasn’t looking for a puppy.
She wasn’t looking for years and years of adventures ahead, or a dog with perfect papers, perfect health, or a perfect pedigree.
She was looking for a dog who needed someone.
A lifelong animal lover, Brenda had always shared her life with dogs.
Over the years, she and her husband Terry had opened their hearts and home to many animals, but this time Brenda felt drawn to something different. She wanted to adopt a senior dog; a dog who might otherwise be overlooked.
While searching online, she discovered Happy’s Place Retirement Home For Dogs.
The mission immediately touched her heart.
Happy’s Place is a very special rescue dedicated to senior dogs who need a second chance. They rescue older dogs who are still able to enjoy a good quality of life but who are often at greater risk of euthanasia or spending their remaining years without a family. Many arrive with medical conditions, chronic illnesses, special needs, or heartbreaking circumstances. Some are surrendered because their owners have become ill or can no longer care for them. Others simply grow old and find themselves unwanted.
At Happy’s Place, every dog is given what they deserve: safety, dignity, love, and the opportunity to find a family.
When Brenda saw a photo of one particular little dog, she instantly stopped scrolling.
At the time, he didn’t even have a proper name.
He was simply known as “Mr. X.”
Something about him spoke to her.
After submitting an application, Brenda and Terry arranged a visit to meet him and ensure he would fit in with their other pets. It didn’t take long for them to realize he was exactly where he belonged.
In fact, they couldn’t understand how such a wonderful little dog had ever ended up needing rescue in the first place.
He was sweet.
Gentle.
Friendly.
Well-mannered.
The perfect little companion.
That day, they brought him home.
Brenda decided that “Mr. X” needed a real name. His fur had a slightly spiky look to it, and despite his small size, he had a confident little personality. She smiled and named him Spike.
From the very beginning, Spike fit seamlessly into the family.
But more importantly, he fit perfectly into Brenda’s heart.
The bond between them was immediate.
Spike followed her everywhere.
If Brenda moved from one room to another, Spike was right behind her. If she sat down, Spike settled beside her. At night, he slept close to her. When she went out, he always went too. He always accompanied her on errands, appointments, and outings.
Friends and family quickly realized what everyone already knew:
Spike was Brenda’s dog.
And Brenda was Spike’s person.
She loved caring for him.
She found a groomer where Terry could stay with Spike during appointments because she wanted him to feel safe and comfortable. She took pride in keeping him beautifully groomed, especially his fluffy tail. No matter where Spike went, he was always looking his best.
To Brenda, he wasn’t just a rescue dog.
He was family.
Then, only a few months after Spike came home, everything changed.
In August 2025, Brenda was diagnosed with cancer.
Life suddenly became filled with appointments, treatments, hospital visits, uncertainty, and fear.
Through it all, Spike remained exactly where he had always been.
By her side.
As Brenda’s health challenges grew, Spike became more than a beloved pet. He became a source of comfort, strength, and emotional support. Early on he received his certification as a service dog helping Brenda navigate one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
Spike always attended appointments with her.
When Brenda was admitted to the hospital, Spike wasn’t allowed to stay overnight, but Terry made sure they saw each other every day.
Every single day.
Terry faithfully brought Spike back and forth to visit Brenda.
No matter how tired she was. No matter how difficult the day had been.
The moment Spike arrived, something changed.
Her face would light up.
For a little while, the appointments, treatments, and worries seemed to fade into the background.
There was just Brenda and her dog.
The little senior rescue who never left her heart.
Family members often felt that Spike somehow knew when Brenda needed him most. Whether it was a quiet cuddle, resting at her feet, or simply being present, he offered a kind of comfort that cannot be measured or explained.
He gave her companionship during lonely moments.
He gave her routine when life felt uncertain.
He gave her joy on difficult days.
And most of all, he gave her unconditional love.
Sadly, Brenda has since passed away after her courageous battle with cancer.
But her story—and Spike’s story—continue to remind us of something truly important.
When Brenda adopted Spike, she believed she was saving a senior dog.
What she couldn’t have known was how much that little dog would give back.
The companionship.
The comfort.
The loyalty.
The love.
The rescue she offered him was returned to her a thousand times over.
At Happy’s Place Retirement Home For Dogs, there are many dogs just like Spike waiting for someone to give them a chance. Dogs who may be older. Dogs who may have medical needs. Dogs who have been overlooked through no fault of their own.
They may not have decades ahead of them.
But what they do have is immeasurable love to give.
Brenda’s journey with Spike reminds us that some of life’s greatest gifts arrive with slower steps, and stories we may never
fully know.
After Brenda rescued Spike, he rescued her right back.
And sometimes, even when the time together is far too short, the love lasts forever.