Brenda Kay Washburn Fallon, 49, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 25th at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born September 5, 1968 to Gerald and Marilla Washburn,
Brenda was the youngest of six children. She grew up in Fort Ann, NY surrounded by love, laughter and family. She often fondly recalled summer evening family gatherings when her father would play his guitar and the whole family would sing and make music together into the night.
After graduating from Fort Ann Central School in 1986, Brenda married her first husband David who taught her a valuable lesson about never marrying a drummer. Following her divorce, she moved to the Boston area where she spent time as one of the lead singers of the Celtic rock band Hiring Fair. Her larger than life personality entertained countless barrooms and lounges full of patrons in spite of the fact that being on the stage terrified her. She was an accomplished song writer and she brought her lyrics alive with her strong and melodic voice.
After leaving the band Brenda met and married Kelly Fallon in Columbus, OH. Together, they had three beautiful children and eventually relocated back to the Glens Falls area.
Brenda was an amazing woman. Her wit and intelligence were unmatched. Brenda was someone that everyone wanted to be around. Her charisma and her humor drew people to her and she always had a way of making the people around her feel like they were family. She loved her friends and family fiercely and she was a constant champion for the underdog.
In life, Brenda was very honest about her struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. She shared openly her highs and her lows in the hopes that she could inspire others to confront their own demons. People who have never met Brenda in person grew to love her through her constant support and encouragement, whether through her public Facebook page or the message boards she participated in. Last year Brenda spoke at the Warren Washington Association for Mental Health performance “Come As You Are” where she shared openly about her battle with depression and substance abuse. She was very proud of herself for taking the stage sober and speaking about something so close to her heart.
Brenda touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was a vibrant, passionate woman. You never knew what to expect when you were with her, a fact that she took great pleasure in. Brenda was a restless soul who fought hard every day of her life to find peace and encouraged others to do the same. The world was a better place because she was in it.
Brenda was pre-deceased by her infant son, Rory Gerald Fallon, with whom she is finally reunited in heaven.
Brenda is survived by her husband Kelly Fallon, the two greatest blessings in her life-her children Ciara and Matthew Fallon and her beautiful stepdaughters Michaela and Siobhan Fallon of Columbus, OH.
Brenda is also survived by her parents Gerald and Marilla Washburn of Hartford, her sister Pamela Washburn Ross (Rick) of Johnsburg, her brother Gerald Washburn (Vicki) of Queensbury, her brother Rick Washburn (Bonnie) of Glens Falls, her brother Terrence Washburn (Donna) of Monroe, NJ , her brother Michael Washburn (Tammy) of Hartford and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In life Brenda found two kindred spirits who became family, Mark Steinberger of Hudson Falls and Sarah Lesselbaum of Delray Beach, FL who also grieve her passing deeply.
Brenda was never one to follow with tradition and despised sad funeral gatherings. In place of a traditional funeral, the family will hold a poolside celebration in Brenda’s honor at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in the names of Brenda and Rory Fallon to the March of Dimes, 4 Computer Drive, W #201, Albany, NY 12205.
Arrangements are under the direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time; may many happy memories help you through.
My sincere condolences to Brenda’s entire family ,although I didn’t know her she has touched many hearts.My thoughts and prayers for you all in this most difficult time.
Uncle Gerry and Aunt Marilla, and families: May your memories of your beautiful daughter and sister comfort you during this difficult time. She is in God’s hands and watching over her family. May God bless you all. Love to all of you!
Mil
may each of you find peace in blessed treasured memories. Although I had never met Brenda she became my Facebook friend and in some ways I felt closer to her that some that I see everyday. She had a love that radiated out in a very special way. I feel blessed to have been her Friend and I truly will miss her. Rest Peacefully Dear One !
May God Bless you all in this difficult time. My heart goes out to all I’m so very sorry
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep all your memories wrapped close in your heart. ♡
Kelly, I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It’s been many years since DeSales but it looks like you had a wonderful and beautiful wife and your beautiful children are Blessed to have you as their father. May God Bless and Give You Comfort.
This world will never be the same without you Brenda. You have picked me up when I was down, and made me smile when all I wanted to do is cry. My life is better because I had you in it. I am thankful for facebook for reuniting us. Rest easy, and peaceful.
Sending my sympathy for your loss, praying you may find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
My heart is broken for all of you. I met Brenda 30 years ago in the ACC theatre and just reconnected with her after she did the reading at the Wood Theater last year.
I read this of Marilyn Monroe and immediately thought of Brenda: “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long.”
Brenda burned so brightly. My love and comfort to you all.
Jerry and Marilla (and all of the Washburn family) – my heart goes out to all of you. She was one of my best friends growing up and was there for me during all of the normal teenage angst. I just wish I could have been there for her through her adult problems. The world is a little dimmer without her bright, smiling presence in it. Fly with the angels my sister from another mister.
Thoughts & Prayers to the family….
Our hearts are heavy at this time.
Dear Brenda, You are truly one of the greatest souls I have had the pleasure of meeting and befriending. I as well thank Facebook for reuniting us. Although you will be missed greatly, Your love and Celtic voice will live on in our hearts. Rest In Peace Beautiful One.
My sincere condolences to Kelly & his entire family. Brenda was friendly outgoing and a gregarious lass who always kept the conversation interesting. Glad I got to know her, she will be missed.
Kelly and family,
So very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing…please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim O’Connor
I knew Brenda when the two of us were in the theatre group at ACC. The adventures and experiences we had are some of my fondest and favorite memories. Brenda was an amazing woman and a true friend. She will be missed. Godspeed Brenda, you were one of a kind and it was my honor and pleasure to call you my friend. Condolences and peace to your family and friends as well in this difficult time.
She was my age i will be 49 on June 22 it is so scary you never know when your time is up. I remember her video you shared with us, not knowing her and just that one video she showed me she had a heart of gold. We are so sorry for your loss Pam, Rick and family I am sure she will be truly missed~
Brenda and I met midway through high school. We quickly bonded over a shared love of music, movies, books and roller skating. We co-wrote stories, talked about everything and anything and ohmygosh – we laughed – a lot. Brenda had a razor sharp wit and prolific sense of humor; she could be silly and whimsical one minute and introspective and sophisticated the next. She was brave and outspoken…and somehow, while the rest of us were trying to figure it all out, she already knew the importance of being your authentic self. I will always love her and I will never forget her. My most heartfelt condolences to the Washburn and Fallon families.
Dear Kelly and family
I was very sad to hear of Brendas passing. I know how much you loved her. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you and your family.
To the brief, brilliant comet, born as Brenda Kay,
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
“May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore.”
Always in my heart, my sincerest condolences to all your family, friends and loved ones,
Maureen
Kelly,
We are so sorry to just learn about Brenda’a passing! This is a beautiful article written in her honor. We feel privileged to have met you and Brenda. Brenda sure did light up the room with her contagious smile and laughter!
We are keeping you and the children in our thoughts and prayers. ❤🙏🏻