New Sharon – Brenda Joyce, “BJ”, (Smith) Dunn, 76, a resident of New Sharon, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 11, 1945, in Portland, the daughter of James and Edith (Roberts) Smith. Raised in Buxton, she attended Buxton High School. Brenda received her LPN in 1973 in New London, Connecticut. When back in Maine, Brenda attended St. Joseph’s College in Windham and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1979. Always wanting to further her education and become a better nurse, BJ earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing at Boston University in 1985 and followed that with a Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of Maine in 2000. On October 26, 1990, she married the love of her life, Dr. James Preston Dunn at the Poland Springs Chapel in Poland, Maine. They have been happily married for 34 years. Together they have a blended family of seven children. They have traveled the world and had many adventures; one of the most treasured memories being Victoria Island in Canada. During her career, she held many positions. Some of her favorites were teaching nursing at Mercy Hospital, St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, and Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. After 23 years of distinguished service to our country, she retired as a decorated officer, Lieutenant Colonel, in the US Army Reserves. After retiring from the Army, Brenda managed Center Street Dental for seven years before retiring completely in 2010. Later in life, she enjoyed her flowers and gardening. She was beloved by many friends and had many hobbies; her favorite was sketching. She loved volunteering, working the girls club retreats, spending time at the community garden, and assisting with voting at the town hall in New Sharon. She also enjoyed being at home on the farm overlooking the valley. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband, James Dunn of New Sharon, and dog Lucy; their seven children: James Provencher and wife Jill, Kim Hubbard and husband Bill, Gerry Provencher and wife Tamara, Tammy (Dunn) Cook and husband David, John Provencher and wife Ann, Joel Dunn and wife Mary Keane, and Rebekah (Dunn) Queen and wife Lisa; her brother, David Smith; 19 loved grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Roger Smith, and her sister-in-law Joan Smith. She will be dearly missed, and the memories treasured in our hearts forever. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com

Dunn – Brenda Joyce, 76, of New Sharon, Maine passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022. A Funeral Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 1PM, on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11AM – 1PM at the funeral home. Donations may be made in Brenda Dunn’s memory to: The Good Shepherd Food Bank, PO Box 1807, Auburn, Maine 04211.