Brenda Sue Weaver, passed away on August 16, 2026, at the age of 67. She was born on August 25, 1958, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Marilyn Jo (Hoss) and James Leroy Weaver.

For many years, Brenda worked as a Senior Energy Technician with ComEd, where she was dedicated to her career and took great pride in doing things the right way. She was affectionately nicknamed “By-the-Book Brenda” by her coworkers because she believed the rules were there for a reason. Her strong sense of responsibility and determination made her someone others could count on.

In her younger years, Brenda was a member of the Valiants Color Guard, an experience that reflected her spirited and determined personality.

Brenda lived life with a generous heart and a strong will. She could be stubborn, with the very best of intentions; but that same determination often made her someone others could depend on. She was patient, helpful, loving, and selfless, and she had a difficult time telling anyone “no.” Brenda was a wonderful confidant and a calming presence to those around her. She carried many responsibilities on her shoulders, sometimes to her own detriment, because helping the people she loved always came naturally to her.

A gifted crafter and creator, Brenda found great joy in making things with her own hands. She loved scrapbooking, creating personalized handcrafted cards for special occasions, attending craft shows, thrifting, and resale shopping. She also owned a small business called Lil Somethin’ or Others, where she and her sister operated booths at numerous craft shows. Her philosophy was simple: “I’ll make it and you sell it.” Her creativity was endless, and she took great pride in the things she made.

Brenda was also an exceptional gardener and loved canning the fruits of her labor alongside Granny. She was a wonderful cook, and her home was a place where there was always room for one more. She was an amazing holiday host who made gatherings special through good food, laughter, and the warmth she brought to every occasion. Her home was always open, and her family knew they could count on her.

Above all else, Brenda treasured her family. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren, crafting with Kelley Belly and snuggling with Mr. Man. She was the glue that brought and held everyone together. She always offered a listening ear, helped wherever she could, and made sure everyone felt loved. Her presence brought comfort and stability to those around her, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Brenda is survived by her mother, Marilyn Jo; her children, Marilyn, Scott, and Suzie; her grandchildren, Kelley and Kayden; her sisters, Barbara (Bill) and Beverly; her nieces & nephews, Jeremy, Justin, Steve and Sam; the father of her children, Bill Lorch; and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones. Brenda will also miss having “lunch with the ladies,” they shared countless lunches, laughter, stories, and memories.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Leroy Weaver.

A visitation for Brenda will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10am at First United Methodist located at 610 Bonus Ave., Belvidere, IL. A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Jim Bell, will follow at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family in the hopes of setting up a college fund for her grandchildren.

Brenda leaves behind a lifetime of love, creativity, laughter, and memories that will continue to live on in all who knew her. Her family will forever remember her open door, her generous heart, her delicious cooking, her creative spirit, and the way she always found a way to help. And while she may have been “By-the-Book Brenda” at work, the people who knew and loved her best will remember that beneath those rules was a woman with an enormous heart who was always willing to bend over backward for the people she loved. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.