Brenda Lee Pokorny

Brenda Lee Pokorny (née Gordon), age 77, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, with her beloved husband, Jim Pokorny, by her side in their home. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on October 1, 1947, to the predeceased Katherine and Henry T. Gordon. As a child, Brenda moved to Cleveland, Ohio then to Chesterland, Ohio where her, and her four siblings grew up.

Brenda was a proud graduate of West Geauga High School, Class of 1966. She met the love of her life, James in Chesterland and they married on July 19, 1969. They moved to California shortly after being married, where she supported her husband serving in the United States Air Force. After his tour, they returned to Ohio, had two children and eventually settled in Novelty, Ohio where they built a loving home and raised their children with family and friends close by.

Brenda had a gift for forming deep and lasting friendships, especially with the people she worked with over the years. She was a woman of deep compassion, kindness, and resilience. As a mother and grandmother, she embodied unconditional love and warmth with a loving heart, radiant spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family. She was lovingly known as "Nana"—a title she wore with pride and joy.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was predeceased by her sister, Donna Gill.

She will be dearly missed by her devoted husband of 55 years, James Pokorny; children, Stacy Dengel and James Pokorny (Krystal).; grandchildren, Sarah Pokorny, Zoey Pokorny, Violetta Rem, and Riley Pokorny; great-grandchildren, Grayson Feliciano and Lainey Feliciano (August 2025); siblings, Debbie Williams, Henry Gordon (Patricia) , and Kim DiBlasio; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.