Brenda Ettress, 55, of New Bedford and formerly of Fall River, died Friday at Brigham and Woman's Hospital after an extended illness. Born in Fall River, daughter of the late Taylor Ettress, Sr. and Amelia Ettress Soares. She was the longtime companion of Vaughn Almeida. Brenda enjoyed reading, collecting unicorns, painting ceramics and spending time with her family. Her survivors include sons, Seneca Ettress (life partner, Glenn Daniel Griffin, Jr.), Shane Ettress (wife, Holly), brothers, Taylor J. Ettress, Jr. and Kenny Ettress, sisters, Julie Mogardo, Sandra Ettress and Lisa Ruffin, granddaughter, Alexis "Shortee" Ettress, Mr. Finny, "mother-in-law", Rose Almeida, her "sisters" Bernadette Cleaves, Joan Teixeira and Darlene Spencer; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Her cremation was private. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service on Monday from 6:00 - 8:00pm in the Silva-Faria Funeral Home on 730 Bedford St. Please omit flowers. Donations to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
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