RIP Miss B: The Point Loses a Legend

By MONIQUE ANDRES Daughter of Brenda Muschamp Bernard

Miss B was a vibrant soul, one who lit up the room whenever she entered, right up until she became less able to get around. She was full of joy and always eager to help out anyone no matter what the problem was.

Brenda Rosalee Muschamp Bernard was the sixth child of Celia Muschamp and Gerald Bernard. She was born and raised in beautiful Placencia where she attended St. John’s Anglican Memorial Primary School. Passionate about cooking from a young age she used to prepare meals for herself. Thereafter she started cooking with a friend Deborah McKain better known as “Debbie” with whom she opened “Brenda’s Café" in the Bakadeer area of Placencia. It quickly became known as one of the best spots in the village for good food, and Brenda made a strong name for herself as a cook who knew what she was doing. At Brenda's Cafe the tourists in the village were able to have coffee and breakfast and through her ambitious spirit, she later built her very own landmark, “Brenda’s Caribbean Cooking” where she showed her true passion for the kitchen and love for people.

Her energy drew people from all walks of life into her restaurant, even the famous award-winning Trinidadian singer, “Calypso Rose” came to meet the famous Brenda. As we all know, her entertainment was always over the top that even her mother felt the need to say something to her at times. Nevertheless, she never gave up on her dreams. In 2000, she changed the location of her business, moving to the southern end of the Peninsula by the seashore near the popular "Fish Board" meeting spot and continued her legacy.

Brenda Muschamp Bernard proudly shows off a plate of her beloved Kriol food prepared at the legendary "Brenda's Caribbean Cooking" located along the seashore at the southern end of the Placencia Road.

PAM SCHULER

A few years later she met Tom Pierce who stood by her side through it all! Until her days became fewer he was right by her side. A true angel I must say. Words cannot express the love and gratitude the family has for Tom.

A local icon, they will make mention of her in books, local folklore and stories for years and perhaps generations to come. She touched everyone’s life one way or the other, and she shall never be forgotten. It takes a singular kind of personal courage to live as she lived.

Brenda Rosalee Muschamp Bernard is predeceased by her father Gerald Bernard and sisters, Irene and Maurene Bernard.

She is survived by her mother, Celia Muschamp; daughters, Delice Pinkard and Monique Andres; grandchildren, Karlton Wagner and Kevion Andres; sisters, Therese Bernard, Merlene Bernard, Annamae Ferguson, Marva Young, Charlotte Fuller and Marlet Curtis; one brother, Denton Bernard and her common law husband,Tom Pierce. Brenda is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory! Sunrise: Jan. 21, 1965; Sunset: Oct. 4, 2018▪

Brenda poses with a customer in front of her colorful eatery.

BRENDA GARROD