Brenda A. (Sutherland) Swartz

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Brenda Ann Swartz (nee Sutherland), who passed peacefully surrounded by family on November 3, 2024, at the age of 78.

Brenda was born on October 15, 1946 in Haleyville, Alabama and she enjoyed much of her youth in the south. She has been the unwavering wife to her husband, Jerry Swartz (Jer Bear), for over 47 years and a superstar mother to her many children. 

Brenda lived the fullest of lives; from factory worker to domestic engineer, Santa’s seamstress to award winning real-estate agent, published author to 5 star ebay reseller. She had a knack for creative cooking, a swift hand with needle and brush, an ear for proper words, a keen nose for lies, wicked instincts at cards, the greenest garden thumbs, an unerring eye for value, the most tender of hearts, and she never stopped doing what she loved most: taking care of and providing for her family and being there for her many friends. She was the queen of gatherings; she made everyone feel welcome and did so in more than 76 houses (the title of her first published book), warming so many with her legacy of kindness. Her heaven on Earth was when all those she loved were eating and laughing in her home.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Jerry Swartz; brother Roger Sutherland (Donna); sister Lisa Russell (Darrell); sons Randy Lefferts (Angela), Greg Lefferts (Annie), and Michael Swartz (Chelsea); daughters Dawn Felton (Jeff) and Denise Heli (Greg); her many “adopted” children; her 17 grandchildren; and her 23 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her many dear friends and others who loved her.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, James Elvis Sutherland and Leofia Sutherland (nee Elliot), sister Jackie Fox and brother-in-law Danny Fox, son James Thomas Swartz (Linda) and grandson Jeremy Marzec (Kira).

A celebration of life will be held by those who love her on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1-3pm. Reflections from family and friends from 3-4pm.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.