Brenda Lynn Turner, 61, of East Freetown passed away on June 7, 2025.

Born November 3, 1963 in New Bedford, she was the beloved daughter of the late Alan R. Dulong and Carol P. (Reynolds) Dulong. She is survived by her sister, Susan Dulong Langley; her children, Alexis Turner, Adam York, and Kristin (York) Arnold; and her niece, Holly (Langley) Lipson.

With a passion for learning, academics came naturally for Brenda-especially advanced mathematics. During her time at Apponequet Regional High School, she studied French and remarkably seized the opportunity to stay with a host family in Marseille, France for a month. During this time, she focused on immersing herself within a new culture by exploring the city and practicing her language skills. She also played the clarinet for her high school marching band and in her free time, took up casual running in her neighborhood. Noted for her beautiful singing voice, she participated in her school choirs, sang solos for church events and friends' weddings, and often harmonized with her mom, Carol, on innumerable car trips.

For Brenda, college began at Northeastern University before she decided to move back home and attend the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, where she earned her bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a minor in finance. She used her degree to enter a distinguished banking career, most notably in mortgage banking at Compass Bank and later combining her passions for IT and mortgage banking at Bank Newport.

Beyond her career, Brenda was a loving mother of three children. Although she juggled many responsibilities, Brenda always prioritized spending meaningful time with loved ones. She worked hard to create opportunities for her children, enrolling them in all sorts of activities, cheering them on and celebrating each and every accomplishment with love and pride.

As her children grew and began to make their mark on the world, Brenda once again seized the opportunity to travel. Upon selling her house, she packed herself into an RV and drove all around the United States, relishing in new experiences, before returning home where she spent her time caring for others, great and small. In particular, caring for her dad Alan which allowed him to stay in his home, as he wished, until his recent passing. Part of that included helping him care for a tiny kitten who appeared at the back door needing a home. It exemplified Brenda's selflessness that she coordinated care for both of them, with that tiny kitten bringing joy to her dad's days, and making a difference in both of their lives.

Brenda loved the simple things in life, such as going for long drives, engaging in heartfelt conversations, watching thunderstorms, and having a cup of coffee. Brenda could often be found watching movies to fill a slow afternoon. On many occasions, she would choose a second rate film to indulge in. Although she found that most were some of the worst movies she'd seen, she would not stop watching because she needed to know how they ended. This was the attitude Brenda brought to hers and others' lives. She always followed through and stuck around until the end, striving for some sort of resolution.

Brenda was a unique, loving soul who was taken far too soon. She is deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her and benefiting from her intellect, humor, and heart.

Her Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 3-6 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.