Bangor, ME – Brenda Jean (Julian) Smith, 74, of Holden, Maine, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 24, 2026. She was born in Bangor, Maine, on March 18, 1952, the daughter of Francis Julian and Elaine (Stewart) Delong.
Brenda married her husband, Thomas A. Smith, on July 3, 1970, at Hammond Street Congregational Church in Bangor. Together, they built a life centered around family, most notably four children: Michele, Thomas Jr., Matthew, and Shawn (Bean). Brenda worked for MTM Press Company in Brewer for many years alongside her husband, Tom. Later in life, she worked for Granville Stone in Holden as well as the Assistant Race Secretary and Clerk of Course for Bangor Raceway. Her truest and most beloved occupation was raising her children.
Family was the most important part of Brenda’s life. She loved her husband, siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with every part of her soul. She was always there for the people she loved, offering a kind heart, encouragement, and unconditional love. She took great pride in her family and treasured every moment she was able to spend with them.
Brenda especially loved watching her grandchildren grow and being a part of their lives. She enjoyed attending their sporting events, near and far, and cheering them on from the sidelines. Whether it was soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, hockey, or another activity, she loved being there to support them. She was incredibly proud of each of them and loved watching them pursue the things they enjoyed.
Some of Brenda’s happiest moments were the simple ones spent together with her family. She loved spending time at Lake Moxie, sitting around a campfire in the evenings, taking trips to the ocean, visiting Prince Edward Island, and shopping with her sisters. Most of all, she loved simply being together with the people she loved. These places became special because of the memories made there — laughing together, sharing meals, enjoying one another’s company, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Brenda will be remembered for her selflessness, caring heart, generosity, and, above all, her deep love for her family. She had a beautiful way of making the people around her feel loved and cared for. Her family was at the center of her world, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through them.
Brenda was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Smith; her children, Michele (Archambault) and husband Timothy, Thomas Jr. and partner Dianne, Matthew and wife Angela, Shawn Bean and wife Lisa; her siblings, Marie (Hooker), Michael Julian, Nancy (Gross), Maina (Fernald), and Susan (Gildart); and her grandchildren Joseph, Thomas, Jonathan (Archambault), Nathan Smith, Brady, Annalise, and Beckett Smith, Lauren (Bean) Brosseau and Kyle Bean. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Ella, Andi, and Will (Brosseau), as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who loved her dearly.
Brenda’s greatest legacy is the love she gave to her family. The memories she created, the moments she shared, and the love she gave so completely will remain in their hearts forever.
She will be deeply missed, but her love will never be forgotten. And whenever we say, “Love you,” we will always hear her voice saying, “Love you more.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, York Street, Bangor. Burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery will follow the Mass. Following the burial, the family invites family and friends to gather in Holden (Levenseller Rd.) for a celebration of her life.
For those who wish, memorial gifts may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SaintJude.org) or Shriner’s Children Hospital. Messages and memories of Brenda may be shared with her family on the tribute wall at kileyandfoley.com.