Brenda R. Canning

Brenda Kay Ralston Canning, 75, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, April 12, 2024, in her beloved hometown of Staunton, Virginia. 

The daughter of the late Kenneth Thompson and Virginia Hope Simmons Ralston, she was born in Blue Grass, Virginia on November 25, 1948.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur Harry Canning, to whom she was married for 57 years, and her sons, Chad Dalen and Joseph Trey Canning, also of Staunton. 

Brenda’s professional life was all about helping people, first as a nurse for 25 years in the ER and later in Pediatrics and finally in medical records. Her second career involved helping Stauntonians find their next dream homes. Her greatest joy was helping people find their first home. She was also a small business owner and helped people celebrate special occasions. 

Brenda was passionate about art, her cats, and literature. She tackled many art media with perfection, to include stained glass and creations made during her annual sojourn to the painting community NIMROD. She passed along her creative passions to her sons in different ways, as well as her connection to the universe. She taught her boys, Art, Chad and Trey, the importance of having a strong moral compass, being kind and sharing love and laughter. 

Brenda treasured her visits “back home.”  In addition, Sandbridge, VA was her happy place, where she enjoyed numerous, all-season vacations for many years with family and friends. She was small in stature, but loved large and hugged big! In honor of Brenda, hug someone today! 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Ann Ralston Hess. 

Services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Augusta Regional SPCA (33 Archery Lane, Staunton, VA, 24401)