Brenda was born and raised in Newton, New Jersey and was a longtime Sussex County resident. She graduated from Newton High School and worked many years as a bookkeeper for her late husband’s mechanical shop, but cherished most, her time as a homemaker raising her three daughters.
A fierce lover of all living things, Brenda had a passion for adopting animals and planting flowers. She enjoyed fishing and crafting, especially when they included her grandchildren. Brenda may have been born with a song in her heart as she had a true appreciation for music and was always ready with a song for every occasion. Most remembered for her wicked sense of humor, Brenda had a quick wit and enjoyed making those around her laugh.
Brenda was predeceased by her husband, Robert Stevens; her parents, Edward and Ruth Love (Snook) Bailey; and her siblings, Robert Bailey, Muriel Longcore, Barry Bailey, William Bailey, Colin Bailey, Gwendolyn Angle, and Daniel Bailey. She is survived by her daughters, Stacey Fitzgerald (Jay), Amanda Snyder (Robert), and Sara Little (Richard); her grandchildren, Brandon Fitzgerald (Kimberly), Dillon Fitzgerald (Jamie), Kerry Fitzgerald, Graeme Snyder, Christian Little, and Allaina Little; and her great-grandchildren, Eric, Liam, Emma, Aubry, Khloe and Zoey Fitzgerald. She is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A visitation for Brenda will take place on Monday, December 2 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ. A funeral service will take place the following day on Tuesday, December 3 at 10:30am at the funeral home, followed by Brenda's final resting place in Stillwater Cemetery.
Memorial Donations may be made in Brenda’s memory to Father John’s Animal House, 50 Father Johns Ln, Lafayette, NJ 07848 or to Eleventh Hour Rescue, P.O. Box 218, Rockaway, NJ 07866. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.