Brenda Lee Oliver

The sweetest blue-eyed girl went to personally thank her Savior on Monday, December 19th, 2022

Brenda Lee (Martin) Oliver, 73, passed away after a short but stubborn battle with cancer. She was born on June 12, 1949, to A. William and Marion (Miller) Martin and was the fourth of six children, and a 1968 graduate of Lincoln High School.

Brenda worked for decades in the printing and duplication department at Geneva College in Beaver Falls. A career that led to many, close friendships that grew with her through all stages of life and paved the way for her two children to be able to attend college. After retiring from Geneva, Brenda enjoyed a few years of keeping up with "her littles" at Pipsqueaks Child Care Center in Ellport before officially retiring.

On June 29, 1985, Brenda married Richard David Oliver, also of Ellwood City. She, quite literally, smiled for his singing, rolled her eyes at his jokes, and held his hand to the very end. For 37 years, 5 months, and 21 days, they built a life full of laughter and love together.

A life that Brenda revolved around their children, Eric Martin Oliver of Ellwood City and Chelsea Lee Oliver of Corry, Pa. Brenda was the epitome of a loving and comforting mother. A constant encourager and confidant. She devoted her life to giving everything to her children with only the expectation of Sunday afternoon phone calls in return.

In addition to her husband and children, Brenda is survived by her beloved sisters, Joyce (Martin) Lutz, and Pam (Martin) Watterson, both of Ellwood City, and Paula (Martin) and Bill Smeltz of Indiana, Pa, and brother Bill and Nancy Martin of Hopewell Twp, Pa. Her dear brother-in-law and friend, Steve Oliver of Ellwood City, Matthew and Jayne Oliver of Warwick, RI, and sisters-in-law, Kathy Oliver of Indiana, Pa, Karen Oliver of Ellwood City, and Karla (Oliver) Vento of Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Brenda is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored her. It is because of all of them, that her nickname, "Aunt B" was started and lovingly stuck with everyone who treasured her. A nickname she was happy to share with one niece in particular (Brooke Watterson) after welcoming her first great-niece, Mila Watterson, earlier this year.

She loved spending time with her family and painting, which, to the delight of her family, she did much more of in retirement. Brenda had a persistent faith. She rose to meet the challenges of each day with the knowing that "This is the day that the Lord has made," she faced cancer with that same quiet and fierce persistence.

Brenda spent much of her time within the First United Methodist Church of Ellwood City. She was an active member and volunteer and was always one of the last to leave on Sundays. She had many fond memories helping with all aspects of the church's apple dumpling booth for the Fourth of July Festival and their annual Turkey Dinners. She gave her time as a Vacation Bible School helper, a youth group leader, and was an inaugural volunteer with the Carpenter's Project. If something needed done, she was always willing to step in.

Her church was very much her home and those who gathered inside, her family. Now, the church where she was baptized, married, and raised her own family, will help guide her home to Heaven to be with Jesus for his birthday. She is joined in Heaven by her parents, and her in-laws, William and Patricia (Mears) Oliver, and her greatly missed sister, Janice (Martin) Heinz.

Her sisters, her niece Renee, her Lovely Lady friends, and Chelsea helped ensure every appointment was kept and met with Brenda's calm and steady will to rise to the day. In addition, the Oliver family would especially like to thank Club Hope Foundation Inc. and Karaoke for a Cure, both of Ellwood City, who gave so much support in the last few months of Brenda's life. And endless gratitude to the doctors and nurses of UPMC Passavant - McCandless, who cared for Brenda as their own with endless love and dignity.

Cancer is disgusting and aggressive, but our "B" gave it one hell of a fight. She will be remembered for her humor, kindness, and grace, and always, her strength.

You are invited to join in remembering and celebrating Brenda's life at "the church across from the high school", the First United Methodist Church of Ellwood City at 416 Crescent Ave in Ellwood City on Friday, December 23rd. Viewing will be from 11am - 2pm in the church library, with a funeral service at 2pm in the sanctuary, and a luncheon immediately following in the downstairs social hall. Rev. Jay Sterling will officiate.

Interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery in Ellwood City.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the TURNER FUNERAL HOME located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.