AUGUSTA – Brenda Farrington, 61, died Oct. 23, 2009, at home. Brenda was born in Bangor. This strong and determined woman impacted the lives of many during her 30-year residency in Augusta, despite severe physical handicaps. Brenda developed signs of the rare progressive neuro-muscular disease Friedreich’s ataxia as a teenager. Gradually throughout time her limbs, speech and finally her sight deteriorated, yet she continued her fight to live independently at home and manage her own affairs with the help of attendants. Brenda courageously continued to be a vocal advocate for equal fairness for disabled persons as she worked to enact legislation for accessibility, attendant services for independent living and equal opportunity in the workplace. Legislators and policymakers heard her messages in Washington, D.C., as well as in Augusta. Her peers and friends respected Brenda for her keen mind and ability to persevere against many barriers. Her greatest gift was in demonstrating what unfaltering will and belief in oneself can do under the worst of physical circumstances. All who grew to admire Brenda could not help but put their own life’s worries in perspective and reconsider things they took for granted, seeing the degree of personal challenges she had to endure and what true courage under extreme stress she exhibited just to live independently. Brenda truly was master of her fate. Not going into a nursing home, which many thought better suited her, was her final victory. Brenda worked until retirement from the Department of Human Service as a disability determination specialist, entering the workforce in state government as one of Maine’s early wheelchair-bound quadriplegic state workers. She was predeceased by her parents; and two brothers, Albert James III and Peter, who also had Friedreich’s. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews; along with her cadre of supporters, including Tish, Dale, Dwight, Dennis, Tony, Sandy, Lindy, Nancy, Doug and Judy, and many others who will not forget this brave friend who fought hard to survive and for the right to make her own decisions. Rest in peace Brenda. You’ve surely earned it. Friends and colleagues are invited to join in acknowledging Brenda starting 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 69 Winthrop St., Augusta – next to the library. In lieu of flowers, donations for Friedreich’s research will be collected then or may be sent. For information, e-mail Powell@midmaine.com.
BRENDA FARRINGTON
