Brenda B. (MacHugh) Bigwood, 84, of Winchester, previously of Reading, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 1, 2014. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold S. Bigwood, Jr.
Born in Melrose, Brenda was the youngest of ten children born to the late Martin and Margaret (Flynn) MacHugh. She met her husband at a Melrose High School production of H.M.S. Pinafore when she was “sweet 16,” and after graduation remained an active member of her Class of 1948. A resident of Reading for 54 years, she served for many years on the staff of the Reading Chronicle. Music was always dear to her; in her youth she was a fine coloratura soprano soloist, and her piano playing often enlivened family and community gatherings, including, for several years, at the Reading Senior Center. As a young woman, Brenda experienced a life-threatening health issue that had long-term consequences; she confronted those challenges with unfailing courage and grace.
Brenda leaves behind a daughter, Margaret Pulsifer, Margaret’s husband, Peter, and their son, her beloved grandson, Brendan Pulsifer, all of Winchester. She was predeceased by her seven sisters and two brothers. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather at Costello Funeral Home 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church at 10AM. Interment will follow in Charles Lawn Memorial Park, Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda’s memory may be made to VNA Hospice Care, 100 Trade Center, G-500, Woburn, MA 01801.