Caring Brenda a ‘leading light’ of Pontypridd RFC
A “LEADING light” of Pontypridd RFC has been remembered for her years of service to the club.
Tribute has been paid to “first lady” Pontypridd stalwart Brenda Thomas after her passing aged 85.
Originally from Treharris, Brenda worked as a nurse at East Glamorgan Hospital before its closure.
She later became well-known as a popular cashier at M&S in Pontypridd.
As a young woman, Brenda met her husband Cenydd Thomas.
The couple were married for more than 50 years, and became proud parents to Sian, David and the late Ceri.
Although the family moved home a number of times due to Cenydd’s career within South Wales Police, their heart remained in Pontypridd, and with Pontypridd RFC.
Brenda became an integral part of the club along with her formidable crew of tea ladies serving hot drinks and snacks through rain and shine.
Paying tribute to Brenda, Pontypridd RFC said: “It is with deep sadness that Pontypridd RFC reports the passing of a dedicated club servant over many decades – Brenda Thomas.
“Brenda was the ‘first lady’ of a family that contributed so much to the club, her husband, the late Cenydd Thomas being a former player, coach and official, her son David co-ordinating the medical set-up, her daughter Sian for many years prominent with the Supporters’ Club and her granddaughter Caitlin involved with the media team.
“Ponty supporters will, of course, fondly remember Brenda very much in her own right as a club volunteer, not least as a leading light amongst the formidable crew of ‘Tea Ladies’ working diligently from the hut at the end of the Riverside Terrace.
“The thoughts of everyone at Pontypridd RFC will now be with Brenda’s family in their time of grief. The family have indicated that sometime in the future, when the current crisis has lifted, a gathering will be arranged at the club to pay a fitting tribute to Brenda Thomas, celebrating her life and her contribution.”
Brenda will be sorely missed as a grandmother to Caitlin, Orla, Rowan and Conall.
To family and friends she will be remembered for her “happy soul” and kind and caring nature above everything else.