In Memory Of
Brenda J. Gressner
1948
2023
Brenda J. Gressner
January 31, 1948 — November 25, 2023
Brenda J. Gressner, age 75 of Kettering, passed away peacefully November 25, 2023. She was born on January 31, 1948 in Athens, OH to the late Paul Edward and Clarice (McKibben) Powell. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by brother, Ronald Powell and sister, Paula (Powell) Lewis.She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Melissa Gressner; grandsons, Michael Tortorici and Henry Tortorici; siblings, Carol (Powell) Gibbs, Janet (Powell) Haynes and Sara (Powell) McCallister; special loving niece, Ginger Stuck and her husband, Rob; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.
Brenda grew up in Athens, OH and graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. For many years of her career she worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base supporting several different government contractors and their missions. One of her career highlights was traveling to Egypt to support the collaborative mission work for her team.
Brenda had a fierce love of all sports - from playing softball and field hockey as a teen to being an adult member of her beloved club softball team the Cows to talking football with her grandson, her face lit up whenever sports were involved. She both played and coached softball and was one of Johnny Bench's biggest fans. As many family members before her she was an active member of the International Association of Rebekahs (IARA)/Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) lodge. Her involvement in the lodge provided her with community and connection and she made many lifelong friends through her involvement. Brenda converted to Catholicism in her 20's and faith & prayer were very important to her throughout her adult life. She enjoyed staying connected to family and friends - whether that was playing games or cards with family, meeting friends for breakfast or long phone conversations, or traveling to see her daughter & grandsons in Denver, CO. More recently she was instrumental in planning her Athens High School reunion and experienced much joy in reconnecting with her senior class over a beautiful weekend in Athens.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on:
Saturday January 13, 2024
12:00pm to 3:00pm
St Leonard's Auditorium
8100 Clyo Road
Centerville, Ohio 45458
Lunch/snacks will be served
*A brief Catholic prayer service will take place at 1pm*
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to honor Brenda and her legacy at the GoFund me at that has been set up in her name.
To share a memory of Brenda or leave her family a special message, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.
Brenda grew up in Athens, OH and graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. For many years of her career she worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base supporting several different government contractors and their missions. One of her career highlights was traveling to Egypt to support the collaborative mission work for her team.
Brenda had a fierce love of all sports - from playing softball and field hockey as a teen to being an adult member of her beloved club softball team the Cows to talking football with her grandson, her face lit up whenever sports were involved. She both played and coached softball and was one of Johnny Bench's biggest fans. As many family members before her she was an active member of the International Association of Rebekahs (IARA)/Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) lodge. Her involvement in the lodge provided her with community and connection and she made many lifelong friends through her involvement. Brenda converted to Catholicism in her 20's and faith & prayer were very important to her throughout her adult life. She enjoyed staying connected to family and friends - whether that was playing games or cards with family, meeting friends for breakfast or long phone conversations, or traveling to see her daughter & grandsons in Denver, CO. More recently she was instrumental in planning her Athens High School reunion and experienced much joy in reconnecting with her senior class over a beautiful weekend in Athens.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on:
Saturday January 13, 2024
12:00pm to 3:00pm
St Leonard's Auditorium
8100 Clyo Road
Centerville, Ohio 45458
Lunch/snacks will be served
*A brief Catholic prayer service will take place at 1pm*
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to honor Brenda and her legacy at the GoFund me at that has been set up in her name.
To share a memory of Brenda or leave her family a special message, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brenda J. Gressner, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
A Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering
Saturday, January 13, 2024
12:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Leonard's Auditorium
Guestbook
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