Brenda J. Johnston

Brenda was born in Trenton, NJ, to parents Lois & Edward Tkacs Sr. She graduated from Harry S. Truman High School in 1982. Brenda began her career working in the Advertising Department at Reedman Auto then went on to work at The Trenton Times newspaper for many years. Wanting to do something different, Brenda then switched careers and went to school at Bucks County Community College where she became a Medical Assistant. Over the last several years she has worked for doctors offices in the area.

Brenda grew up in a family that loved softball. Her parents were very active in the Bristol Township Girls Softball League where she also played with her sisters. She went on to play Coed softball where she met the love of her life, and best friend, John at a softball tournament in Mercer County. Brenda loved to cook and she would talk and trade recipes with her sister De. She enjoyed making her Grandmother’s mac & cheese the most, and would tell everyone that it was her “Grandmom's bowl that made it taste so good!” Brenda & John bowled together at Levittown Lanes for many years as well. When John would go fishing, Brenda enjoyed tagging-a-long so she could sit in the quiet and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

Brenda loved being around her friends and family the most. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren. At family picnics she would sit and watch the kids play and she loved talking and laughing with them. She also enjoyed taking trips to Parx Casino from time to time as well as she looked forward to her annual trip down the shore to Seaside Heights, NJ for her birthday week. Watching the sunset on the beach with John was her favorite part of each beach trip.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her granddaughter Alivia Madison, her sister Cindy Robbins and brother-in-law, Fred.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband, John of 35 years, her daughter Christina M. Sawicki (Chris) and her grandchildren Austin & Asher Sawicki. Her siblings, Edward “Butch” Tkacs, Jr (Diane) and Denise “De” D’Andrade (Mark) along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

A visitation for Brenda will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the charity of their choice in Brenda’s honor.