Brenda Lynne Gatto
With profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing and return to Spirit of Brenda Lynne (Thomas) Gatto, on February 7th, 2020. Back to the Sky World into the loving arms of her parents, the late Edward Gilbert Thomas and the late Lorna (Jamieson) Thomas-Hill, her journey has begun. Pre-deceased by brothers Andrew, Patrick, and Virgil, sister Beverly, daughter Sonia, and her beloved grandmother Mema” - Esther (Jacobs) Jamieson. She is survived by her husband, Antonio Gatto, her children: Dena Hill; Jeannie Thomas; Josephat Racette; Kenneth Racette; Laurel Thomas-Racette, Brothers: Gilbert; Samuel; Bryan; and Jesse; Sisters: Jennifer and Marie; Grand daughters: Victoria; Nikki; Julia; Jordan; Alexandria, and Soren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. During her lifetime, she was a dedicated advocate for the health and well-being of Indigenous women, infants and children, both as a registered nurse in the clinical setting, and as a Health Policy Analyst in Federal Government and non-profit agencies at the national level, such as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN); Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (ANAC), and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). She will be remembered and missed not only for her focus and drive towards health issues impacting indigenous peoples and communities on a national level, but as loving mother, daughter, sister, and wife. Brenda will be resting at Styres Funeral Home, 1798 4th Line Rd., Ohsweken from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday. Funeral service and burial will be held at Sour Springs Longhouse, Six Nations of the Grand River at 11:00 a.m. on Friday February 14, 2020. Arrangements made by Tubman Funeral Home, Ottawa and Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Golf Fore Timbuck Fund, Six Nations or Sour Springs Longhouse. www.rhbanderson.com