Brenda Ella Day ... ran Tilly's restaurant; at 81

MANCHESTER - Brenda Ella (Hastings) Day, affectionately known as "Gram." died on Aug. 1, 2024, at the age of 81 in Manchester.

Born on Sept. 4, 1942, in Lebanon, she was the daughter of Merton Willis and Pearl (Smith) Hastings Sr. Mrs. Day will always be remembered for her warmth and generosity, touching the lives of all that knew her with her gentle spirit.

Mrs. Day led a life marked by her altruistic nature and unwavering commitment to her loved ones. She found great joy in cooking and feeding all she loved. So much so, she was a restaurateur and shared her love of cooking with all in her community at her restaurant, Tilly's, in Rochester. Before that she worked as a nurse in maternity, a pathology lab and her prior husband's OB/GYN office. Her final career was working in a daycare in her hometown of Grantham, where it can honestly be said to have potty trained an entire generation. She touched so many lives as a nurse, and even more as a local business owner. She would volunteer tirelessly for her children's efforts, for example as a Booster Mom at Spaulding High School for both football and marching band. She sewed many sashes and uniforms for the concert and marching band over the years. Many families and children will always remember Brenda for her love and support as a childcare lover, going so far as being called to their homes in a time of crisis with nightmares, bedtime or mealtime. She delighted in supporting and caring for others both in their careers, goals and life. She catered for many weddings, (including her youngest son's and nephew's), showers, and bereavements. She would always be there for others with her famous baked beans and breakfast casseroles. While many read a mystery or sci-fi, Brenda read cookbooks. She delighted in the comfort she gave others in feeding them. This was so much true that, in her final days, as she spoke with her daughters about her last wishes, it ended always with, "you know you must feed them?!"

Her family was the cornerstone of her life. She reveled in the company and achievements of her four children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was, in addition to her parents, her brother Merton Hastings, Jr, and her beloved son, Robert Charles Day. Their cherished memories will forever illuminate the paths of those left behind, as will the memories of Brenda herself.

Mrs. Day's enduring legacy is one of nurturing and affection, which lives on through her family. She is survived by her loving daughter, Mrs. P. Kelly Davies and her husband Robert; their children Josiah, Elijah (married to Emily and new parents to Luke) and Scarlett; her eldest son's widow, Mrs. Lorraine Day, and their children Robert Charles, Jr, and Kevin; her daughter Dr. D. Diane Biron and her husband, Robert; and their children Thomas, Lainy and Ian Tate; and finally her youngest son, Mr. William Robert (Bobby) Day and his wife Bonnie; their children, Mrs. Micayla Hebert (married to Jordan and parents to Henry and Jack), Kearstin Ella (engaged to Tyler Avery and parents to Eliana (Ellie, her great grams namesake) and William Joseph (Joe). The blessings of the grandkids were only outweighed by her five great-grandkids.