Brenda Bricarell Gordon

Brenda Bricarell Gordon of East Lansing, MI, 66, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS. Brenda was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 31, 1960. She was the sixth child of eight born to Dorothy and Louis Bricarell. The Bricarells resided on the East Coast until 1975 before moving to Houston, Texas. Brenda attended St. Mark's until 1975, graduated from High School in Houston in 1977, and resided there until moving to Maryland in 1988. Being raised in a large household nurtured her deep love for family, and she cared for her siblings immensely.

Brenda and her husband, Howard, were married in Libertytown, Maryland, on July 27, 1991. In December 1993, Brenda, Howard, and two sons moved to East Lansing, where they later welcomed their two girls. Brenda became a devoted Spartan fan, especially enjoying their football season tickets and hockey games. Brenda never once considered leaving a Spartan game early, regardless of the weather. She was proud to pack her rain gear or extra gloves to make sure she didn’t miss a moment.

Brenda’s love for her children and her growing family was immeasurable. In her words, she was born to be a mother. At 66 years old, she had been a mother for 43 of those years. She was a classroom mom in preschool, involved in every carpool, and a chaperone on field trips. She never missed a sporting event, a school function, or a post-prom coffee shop. Every weekday morning included a homemade school lunch, followed by a weekly Sunday morning breakfast. She was often referred to as a second mom to many because of the home that she created for all. Brenda always built a village around her, no matter the place she lived, the new job she accepted, or the sports her children chose to take up.

Becoming a grandmother in 2015 marked a cherished chapter of her life and filled her with immense pride. She adored her grandsons and delighted in every moment with them. From parades and playgrounds to sharing her love for the beach by taking them to swimming lessons, she loved the time they shared together. Even ALS could not diminish her devotion; instead, it offered a meaningful way for her to share her lifelong love of music with them through music therapy, a gift and connection she treasured deeply.

Brenda was the heart of her home, always going above and beyond to ensure that anyone who walked through the door knew they were welcome. She always had music playing, starting every Saturday morning with showtunes. Holidays were Brenda’s specialty, and her love for gift giving and decorating the house made each one magical.

Reading was Brenda’s passion, and she enjoyed getting lost in every book, often exceeding 300 books read by the end of each year. As a former bookstore manager, regular trips to the bookstore or library were where she found her peace. She often said that she didn’t always need to buy a new book; she just needed to be surrounded by books. Brenda’s family always referred to her as the family historian; she never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or even the smallest details of her family’s history.

She had an outstanding work ethic that many recognized, and she prided herself on. She was an at-home day care provider for many years so that she could enjoy staying home with her kids while they were young. Brenda spent over 35 years as a tax accountant, where she built a network of clients who soon became her friends throughout her career.

Brenda was a devout Catholic and took great comfort in her faith. She embodied kindness and empathy, always knowing when to lend a listening ear or when to offer advice. Her smile was radiant, and you could always count on her to make you laugh. She will be remembered for her warm presence, her steadfast love for her family, and her undeniable strength in the face of adversity.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Howard, her four children, Justin (Jennifer) Bricarell, Matthew (Beth) Gordon, Emily Gordon, and Amy Gordon; her two grandsons, Riley and Evan Bricarell. She is survived by 7 siblings: Bruce (Laurie) Bricarell, Beth (Jerry) Eaton, Bonnie (Dickie) Morris, Babette (Michael) Hopkins, Brian (Sherry) Bricarell, Barry (Toni) Bricarell, Brant (Tammie Bricarell), her two beloved aunts, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Brenda is preceded in death by both of her parents, Louis and Dorothy (Lydon) Bricarell.

After a long and courageous fight, ALS never dimmed her beautiful smile or the core of her very being, her love for her family. Brenda’s infectious laugh and positive demeanor radiated through her until the very end. The family would like to thank the Hospice of Lansing team, especially Ashley, Ginny, Ginger, and Kim, for the care that was shown, which created a new community of joy in her life. Brenda always felt safe and secure in the final year of her life because her Hospice team always greeted her with love and hugs. The Family would also like to thank friends, family, and community members who showed up in various ways, whether that was a card, flowers, a prayer, or a visit. It meant the world to her.

Visitation for Brenda will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Michigan, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823 at 11:00 AM, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to Mass. Brenda has requested that everyone wear bright and cheerful colors to celebrate her vibrant life.

Friends and family may send flowers to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home. Contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made in her honor to the following places, all of which hold a special place in her heart:

Team Gleason Foundation: Donate Here, https://teamgleason.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Hospice of Lansing: Donate Here, https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_90425878-dc54-11e7-afbe-024e165d44b3&WidgetId=3188736

ALS Foundation: Donate Here, https://www.als.org/?form=general&s_src=paid&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=eg25&utm_content=nonbranded-ot&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21413640693&gbraid=0AAAAAqEB6OWCptaNIdtMDNP2lFgfj-rJL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvbmj5dv1kwMV-EH_AR1R5jnzEAAYASAAEgKtMvD_BwE