Brenda Anne Lightcap

Brenda Lightcap (DuRell) passed away Monday evening, December 5, 2022, at the age of 56. Born and raised in Bethesda, MD, Brenda was the daughter of James and the late Judith DuRell, the wife of Gregg Lightcap and mother to Theodore “Buddy” Sabaté, Cori Anne Russell (Sabate) and the late Tyler James Lightcap. She grew up just a few blocks from Ayrlawn Park where her days were filled with bike rides and neighborhood kid shenanigans. Brenda graduated in 1984 from Walter Johnson High School where she was the Captain of the Pom Team.

In 1995, Brenda married her long-time high school friend, Gregg Lightcap and moved into their home in Rockville where they have lived for nearly 30 years and built a beautiful life together. In her professional life, she spent over 15 years working at DeVol Funeral Home as a receptionist helping to guide families during their grieving process. But Brenda’s greatest calling in life was being a mom. She never missed a school event, sports game, or even just coming in to De Chantal to be a “Lunch Angel” during lunch and recess. Brenda was often first to volunteer when her children’s schools needed a helping hand. She loved her children deeply and could not wait to be a grandmother.

Brenda was known for being a “hostess with the mostest”. Her gatherings were filled with good food, lots of friends/family, often MD steamed crabs, jammin’ music and loads of laughter. Not a birthday, holiday, graduation or other special event went un-celebrated in the Lightcap house, with Brenda at the forefront: planning, prepping and hosting a memorable gathering. There was always fun to be shared at Carr Ave ranging from game night playing board games or cards, to carving pumpkins or dying Easter eggs, building a gingerbread house, or even a good old fashion game of ‘Kick the Can’ or Wiffle Ball in the front yard.

Many who knew and loved her are proud owners of a “Blanket by Brenda” that she gifted you for a special occasion such as the birth of a child, a wedding, house-warming, graduation from high school or college, or simply because she loved you. She could crochet for hours without gazing down at her needle as she naturally felt the rhythm of the stitch. Each and every yard of yarn was hand selected and stitched with love for the recipient. Many have shared memories with the family of their cherished blankets, and our family encourages you to share a picture of your blanket to her Facebook page.

Brenda will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, her infectious laugh, her warm smile and welcoming personality and for being a genuine friend… and of course her incredible blankets.

Brenda is so deeply loved, and survived by her husband Gregg Lightcap, her son- Theodore “Buddy” Sabate (Lauren), her daughter- Cori Anne Russell (Paul), father- James C. DuRell, sister- Pam Bernier (Norm), granddaughters- Sloane, Kennedi, Finley and Harper, mother in law- Dolores Lightcap, nieces and nephews- Jimmy and Jenna DuRell, Daniel Bernier, Luke, Lauren, and Lindsey Lightcap as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

At this time, there are no formal services being held. In light of recent tragedies, the family has decided to plan a Celebration of Life in the new year. Details about the April event will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation to the Tyler Lightcap Memorial Scholarship Fund.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/tyler-lightcap-memorial-scholarship-fund