Brenda L. Oakes of Spencertown NY passed away January 10, 2025 at home. Born November 24, 1958 she was the daughter of the late Ronald and Elinor K. Kelske Ouwerkerk.

As a young girl Brenda came to Austerlitz with her family. She graduated from Chatham High School. She worked in the Austerlitz Town Hall for the Supervisor, was a member of the Tower Club, and was a 35 year member of the Spencertown Fire Company Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, David A. Oakes, son Greg (Eva Muriel) Melanson, grandson Kyle and granddaughter Zoe.

Brenda loved her family, her special times with her grandchildren, the animals and her birds. She always put others first and that's what made her who she was and why she will be sorely missed.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday January 15th from 4 to 6pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers those who would like to can make contributions to the Columbia County Veterans Service Agency in Brenda's name. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.