After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Brenda J. Sorel (Wilkerson) passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2021 at Strong Memorial hospital with her husband and daughter by her side.

Born on June 6th, 1958, Brenda was the youngest child of Andrew A. Wilkerson and Barbara J. (Straight) Wilkerson, both of whom predeceased her. She adored her parents and was her “daddy’s little girl.” Spending most of her childhood in Henrietta, she graduated from Rush-Henrietta High School in 1976.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 38 years, Wilfred Sorel Jr.; her six children Tara (Jim) Christiano, Jesse (Amber) Hall, Arielle Sorel, Joshua (Kimberly) Sorel, Ryan Sorel, and Kayla Sorel; 10 grandchildren and one on the way: Jeffrey, Maxwell, Zoey, Caleb, Claire, Judah, Elias, Jacob, Lilly, and Layla; her brothers Scott Wilkerson and Richard (Carol VanHuben) Wilkerson and foster sister Christina Shenise; many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved golden retriever Bella and her sweet kitty Baby.

Brenda loved life and she embraced each day and lived it to the fullest. People were drawn to her light, and she had a rare gift of showing love to everyone she met. She valued love, authenticity, laughter and experiences – not things. As a strong woman of faith, her love and sacrifice for her family were a testament to her relationship with Christ. She was a homemaker, an amazing cook, a free spirit and a traveler who loved Summer, the outdoors, camping, hiking, and the ocean. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and her unconditional love for them is a gift that will be cherished and passed on for generations to come.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, September 2nd from 4-7:30pm at the Algonkian Shelter on Pond Rd. in Mendon Ponds Park. Click Here for Directions

A Graveside Service will be held at 11am on Friday, September 3rd at Canandaigua Lakeview Cemetery. (4844 Jones Rd. Rushville, NY) Click Here for Directions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, PO Box 676226, Dallas, TX 75267-6226 or at www.kidneycancer.org

While we are relieved that she is no longer suffering and that she is whole again and with her heavenly father, our hearts are broken and she will be dearly missed. Moving forward, we will always remember the phrases that she spoke often and lived out each day: “carpe diem” (seize the day) and “let your light shine to the world.”