Brenda Van Houten – 62

Brenda (Nadeau) Van Houten of Northbridge, formerly of Natick and Framingham, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 11, 2023 at the age of 62.

Born on September 17,1960, Brenda was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Frances Nadeau.

Brenda graduated from Natick High School in 1978. She worked for the Town of Framingham as a bus driver and dispatcher for 20 years where her admirable work ethic and dependability were recognized and appreciated.

Brenda was a genuine person who was known for her humble nature, sarcastic sense of humor and her ability to make others feel welcome. She was always up for a good time and knew how to find and share the fun in any situation.

Brenda took great pride in her family and found enjoyment in hosting many holidays and cookouts over the years. She was young at heart and took special joy in creating and sharing fun memories with her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Brenda loved being a “Mimi” to her grandchildren Ashley and Damian and to her great niece Maria Nadeau.

In addition to her independent spirit, humor, sense of adventure and dedication to her job and her family, Brenda will also be remembered for her generosity and her willingness to help others in need. Brenda could always be relied upon to offer a ride, some company, meals or anything to be of service to others.

She was predeceased by her siblings Wilfred Nadeau, Jr., Patricia Reardon and Wallace Nadeau in addition to her niece Johany Nadeau.

Brenda leaves behind her husband Scott of Northbridge, son Joshua Van Houten and his wife Gina of Framingham, daughter Jessica Griffith and her partner Shad Czerniak of New York and her grandchildren Ashley Griffith and Damian Czerniak. She is survived by her siblings Mary-Lou Philbrick of Bellingham, Carol Johnston of Medway, Francis “Skip” Nadeau of Natick and Florence Nadeau of Ashland. Brenda is also survived by her niece Stacey Nadeau and many more nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Dear family and friends, we hope you can join us in honoring and celebrating the incredible life of Brenda VanHouten. Join us in sharing a funny story, favorite memory, and a bite of food.

The celebration of life service will be held on July 21, 2023 5 PM to 9 PM at the Ashland VFW, 311 Pleasant St., Ashland, MA

There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Brenda’s name to Dr. David Kwiatkowski’s research by visiting http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org or checks made payable to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute which can be sent to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.