Brenda Neal Ivanoff

Brenda Kay Neal Ivanoff, a devoted and faithful mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on September 30th after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Kannapolis, NC, on September 27, 1943, she was the youngest child of Annie Belle Wike Neal and John Samuel Neal.

Brenda, a Varsity cheerleading captain, graduated from AL Brown High School and studied Nursing at UNC Greensboro. She moved to Charlotte upon graduation, where she was a celebrated nurse at Memorial Hospital. Brenda later continued her career by becoming a nurse anesthetist, a field in which she thrived with her positive demeanor and caring nature, until she decided to stay home with her two daughters, Katie and Holly.

After her accomplished nursing career, Brenda gave back to Charlotte Latin School in countless ways with her time, positive energy, and ever-ready smile. In her tenure, she served as the school’s Parents’ Council President, Booster Club president, the chair of MDPD, and as a member of the Board of Visitors, in addition to countless additional volunteer hours and committees. Brenda took pictures of all the student athletes and personally solicited all the advertisements to produce the school’s first Booster Club program. She loved to make the teachers feel celebrated and valued; she created the now long-standing tradition of Service Recognition for the faculty and staff, honoring their years of service to Latin.

Brenda was an impactful and steadfast member of Carmel Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School, and later at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she served as a dedicated Stephen’s Minister and was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Circle groups.

In her spare time during her younger years, Brenda could often be found playing golf and tennis. Planning and attending a women’s golf trip was one of her favorite pastimes. She used her creativity to write birthday songs for her friends or to plan themed costumes for their travel adventures.

Brenda and her husband, Nick, set an unwavering example for others in their love and devotion to each other. Their strong Christian example was inspiring, and their connection to one another was truly magical. Spending summers in the mountains at Linville Ridge after Nick retired provided special memories and sparked countless new friendships and extended family trips.

Brenda cherished nothing more than the role of Grandmother, or “Gigi,” as her grandchildren called her. Whether it was a game, a concert, or a recital, Gigi was simply always there. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and loved planning trips to the mountains or to the beach to spend quality time together as a family, enjoying games, relaxing on the golf course watching fireworks, or playing our family-invented game, bocce golf, on the beach.

Brenda lived a life filled with service, laughter, a fabulous sense of style, and endless love. She was known for her quick wit, contagious smile, and ever-present sense of humor. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Even in her final years with Parkinson’s Disease, she never lost her zest for life. She could often be found dancing or singing with the nursing staff in the halls at Southminster.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Nicholas Andrew Ivanoff, her daughters, Katherine Ivanoff Smith (Eric), and Holly Ivanoff Graham (Matthew), and her grandchildren, Virginia Anniebelle Smith, Nicholas Andrew Smith, Henry Samuel Graham, and Lila Katherine Graham. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Larry Kent Neal and David Ellison Neal.

The family will be forever grateful to Dr. Sanjay Iyer and his team at Memory and Movement Charlotte, the skilled nursing staff at Southminster, and Via Health Partners (Hospice).

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

Arrangements are in the care of McEwen Funeral & Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Memory and Movement of Charlotte or to Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com