BIDDEFORD — Brenda Whitmore, 56, of Biddeford, died Monday, April 7, 2014 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, surrounded by family and friends, following a four-year battle with ALS.

She was born Aug. 4, 1957 in Presque Isle, a daughter of Leland and Jeannette (Ruest) Johnston, and she was educated there.

Brenda graduated from Presque Isle High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s College in Windham.

On Oct. 25, 1980, she married William “Bill” Whitmore in Presque Isle.

Nursing was not only her occupation, but more importantly, her passion. She dedicated her life to caring for others with compassion and love. She began her journey as a nurse at Webber Hospital (now SMHC) as a staff nurse and retired from the same facility in December 2011, due to the progression of her disease, as a case manager for core measures. Throughout her career, she worked in several different aspects of health care including home care, at Maine Medical Center and Maine Heart Surgical Associates, leaving an everlasting impression each step of the way.

Brenda enjoyed spending time with her friends, “craft girls,” always looking to learn and share new crafts, but more importantly, sharing lots of laughs. Brenda loved hosting parties, gathering family and friends together over food, drinks and, as always, lots of laughter. Camping and outdoor activities with her family were among her favorite pastimes. Her children and grandchildren were the most important people in her life, and, in fact, she was anticipating the birth of her fifth grandchild, Harper, in July.

She is survived by: William Whitmore, her husband of 33 years; a daughter, Krystal Taschereau and her husband Matthew of Arundel; a son, Eric and his wife Jessica of Danville, N.H.; four grandchildren, Garrett and Grace Taschereau and Kylee and Brynn Whitmore; two brothers, Darrell Johnston of South Portland and Brent Johnston of Gorham; one sister, Iola Page of Easton; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenda’s honor may be made to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074; or to the ALS Association Northern New England Chapter by visiting www.alsanne.org.