Brenda (Sturges) Osborne, 94, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Edward L. Osborne, died peacefully Monday, March 17th, 2014 in her home. Brenda was known to so many as a loving, supportive, smiling mother, grandmother, GG, wife, aunt, daughter, sister and friend, and she will truly be missed.
Born on October 16th, 1919 in Melrose, MA, she was the daughter of the late DVM Frank & Sarah (DeWolf) Sturges. She graduated from Wakefield High School, class of 1937, Wakefield, Ma. and lived in Massachusetts until marrying the love of her life in 1941 and moving to Manchester, CT in 1950. Once there, she became very active in the community. She enjoyed supporting her children, playing pinochle, canasta and bridge with friends, games with her grandchildren, contributing to the Buckley Elementary School PTA and local Cub Scout packs. Brenda's faith as a Christian was always very strong and she helped establish Community Baptist Church in Manchester as a charter member. She continued to be very active at the church serving God as a Sunday School teacher, trustee and on the board of Deacons. Outside of the community, she worked at Edwards Answering Service and some local retail shops. She loved children and especially enjoyed her job at pediatrician Dr. Horton's office, from which she retired at age 70. At home, Brenda loved to spend her free time gardening, sewing or knitting sweaters, mostly for her many grandchildren! She was also an amazing baker and her “Gram Bread," especially toasted with cinnamon sugar, could cure anything. Brenda was such a thoughtful person – never forgetting a family member's or friend's birthday. One could always count on a card or call from her on their special day! Late in her life, many of those same friends, especially Dot, Eileen, Lyn, Park, and family held steadfast and continued to visit and care for her, even as she struggled daily with Lewy Body Dementia (www.lbda.org). A special thank you to her caregivers who helped to allow her to live out her life in the comfort of her own home: Nursing Services, Inc., visiting nurse Lauren, Ileane, Marjorie, Akua, Estrella, Global Horizons Agency, Maxine, Jamiel, Donnett, and Dr. Tardiff and staff. Although she is no longer with us on this Earth, Brenda will always remain close through treasured memories. Her legacy will continue to endure through her family, who loves and misses her so much. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law: Sandra O. Hennig and her husband William of Florence, OR; Laurie O. Green and her husband Bruce of Manchester, CT; her three sons: Edward L. Osborne, Jr, and his fiancee Karin of Rio Rancho, NM; David Osborne and his fiancee Julie of Kill Devil Hills, NC; Jeffery F. Osborne of Austin, TX. Brenda was also blessed with 9 grandchildren: Chris and his wife, Karen; Jon and his wife, Suzanne; Craig and his wife, Lisa; Derek and his wife, Angela; Mishele and her husband, Mike; Amanda and her husband, Justin; Kim and her husband, Brian; Brooke and Jay. She was doubly-blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: Liz; Erica; Lauren and her husband, Colin; Taylor; Dominick; Elliott; Everett; Emma; Alex; Samantha; Kiera; Katrina; Harrison and Ashleigh as well as 2 great-great-grandchildren; Devin and Tessa and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Ermel Salenius and her brother, P. Frank Sturges. We thank you, Brenda, for touching each of our lives in your own special way. For that, we are forever grateful. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 5th, 2014 at Community Baptist Church, 585 East Center Street, Manchester. Burial will be immediately following in the East Cemetery with a reception following at Community Baptist Church. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Community Baptist Church, 585 East Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040.