Brenda Ann Somerset

Brenda A. (Tedford) Somerset, 77, of Andover, beloved wife of 49 years and best friend of the late William "Bill" Somerset passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017 with her family at her side. She was born on June 10, 1940 in West Hartford daughter of the late Walter and Ethel (Scott) Tedford. Brenda spent her childhood years in Manchester, Vernon and North Haven. She was a 1958 graduate of North Haven HS and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master's of Science degree as a Reading Consultant from Central Connecticut State University. Brenda was a member of Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society. She began her teaching career in 1962 as a kindergarten teacher at Lake Street School in Vernon and served as a reading consultant at Northeast School for over 20 years. Brenda was the elementary reading specialist for the Vernon Public School District until retiring in 2001. Following her retirement, she continued to be an educational consultant part time in Vernon & Andover. Brenda was active with the National Federation of the Blind serving as Secretary for the East of the River Chapter and she was a longtime dedicated member and a teacher of lessons at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter- Day Saints in Manchester. Brenda enjoyed watercolor painting and pen and ink sketching. She especially enjoyed creating thumbprint pictures for her colleagues at their time of retirement. Brenda was an avid UConn Women's Basketball fan, she relished every second of every game and she cheered enthusiastically at all of her grandchildren's sporting events. Brenda is a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family, friends, her church family and colleagues were very important to her. She loved to spend time with all of them and she will be deeply missed. Brenda is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Todd and Sandy Somerset of Jackman, ME, her daughter Jamie Lindley of Andover, a step-daughter Carolyn Wilkens and her husband John of Florida, her seven wonderful and special grandchildren whom she deeply loved; Ashley and Christopher Somerset, Taylor and Ryan Lindley, Jason and Leigh DeFreitas and Kara Wilkens and two great-grandsons; David and JJ DeFreitas. She also leaves her two sisters; Joan Tedford of Manchester and Jean Brooks of Arizona. Brenda will also be missed by her two loyal canine companions, Willow and Onyx. At Brenda's request there will be no services or calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Federation of the Blind, East of the River Chapter, c/o Marie Beaulier, 41 Applegate Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 or to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com