Brenda Diane McGarrigle passed away on December 9, 2020.

Brenda was born December 30, 1938 in Annapolis, MD. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School all 12 years.  She met the love of her life, Donald McGarrigle while he was attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis.  They were married December 28, 1957.  Soon after their wedding, they moved to Pensacola, FL while Donald attended flight school.  They were then transferred to Coronado, CA where they raised their family until they were transferred again to Olathe Naval Air Station. They retired in Overland Park, KS. In Coronado, Brenda was always very active with the Navy wives while the husbands were away, doing charitable work and decorating for the military dances when they returned. She loved to get dressed up and dance.  Mom & Dad were great dancers! Once settled into Overland Park, KS, Brenda became very active at Holy Cross Church and School, blessing all with her incredible sewing and decorating talents.

- Mom, I think of you in everything I do, when I bake, decorate, sew.  When I organize and plan events.  When I tie a bow on a wreath. I will never be as talented as you were, but my hands are your hands and I will always think of you and your loving talents in everything I do. Love, Erin

- Mom was a devout Catholic. She spent countless hours volunteering for the church. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother – Nana!  Mom was extremely talented in everything she did. From sewing to painting to organizing, cooking, gardening, and raising children. She planned my entire wedding, from making our gowns to flowers, making the cake and food for the reception.  It would take a book to describe all her accomplishments and the good works she has done throughout her life!  I think about her every day and I love her very much!!! Love, Shannon.

- Mom don't know really where to start. I know you are in a better place with your mom and dad and brother Lou, as well as your daughter Tami, son Kevin and granddaughter Paige. I guess one of the things I remember most was when I was a kid, I had a hard time making friends. You would have me invite them over for pool parties and you would cook all kinds of great meals for us. Before I knew it, my shyness was gone, and I had many friends which made me a much more confident person. I also will never forget the teddy bear you made for me when I went to basic training. Everywhere I have been since I was 17, Sgt. Teddy has been right by my side and will always be with me. A little worse for wear, but still with me. I love you, Mom and will see you again one day. Your son, Sean

- You are my star now.  You don't always see them, but you always know they are there!  Love you. I miss you so much. Love, Kari

- She was always so sweet to her grand kids. She was always dressed to impress with clothing she sewed herself. I personally remember going with her to Walmart at least once a week and she would always let me pick out a toy as long as it was less than five dollars. She would let me open it in the cart, I just had to make sure to keep the packaging so that it could get rung up. Every holiday she had her whole house decorated for whatever holiday it was.  Christmas was always by far the most beautiful. She always had a small town with a train under one of her two Christmas trees and I always thought that was just so neat. I love you, Nana.  You will be dearly missed. Joe

- When I think about Nana, a few things come to mind. Crab cakes, pool days, and love. Nana shared so much love for everyone, including all the animals they had. I know that now she is watching over us all, continuing to send love to everyone. I'll miss you Nana. Love, Maggie (Marguerite)

- Nana was a lot of things. A mother, a grandmother, a seamstress, a decorator and many more things. Nana made clothes and embroidered beautiful things throughout her life. I still believe Nana will make beautiful things up in heaven and will be watching over the rest of our family as we make beautiful things in our life. We miss and love you very much Nana. Love, Mollie (Maureen)

- Nana was someone who was compassionate and friendly towards everyone. She was dedicated to her parish and the friendships that came with it. She was someone everyone could count on. Nana loved to listen to her classical music tapes while driving her bright red jeep.  Things that remind me of nana are poinsettias especially this time of year.  Spreading them throughout the church and spending hours at night decorating while I fell asleep in the pews.  Spaghetti and clams - one of her favorite dishes that's now made by so many generations in our family.  Her love for our cats that I kept bringing home were her best friends. Love, Jordan

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Marguerite Caronna, brother Louis, daughter Tami, son Kevin, and granddaughter Paige. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Donald; her devoted children, Erin (Joe Plas), Tara, Shannon (David Brown), and Sean;  her grandchildren, Kari, Joe, Niki, Chris, Taylor, Marguerite, Maureen, Jordan, Paige, Jessica, Dylan, Tami, and Tyler; and several great-grandchildren.

Loving you always…..

Due to COVID restrictions, a private service will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, KC North, on Monday, December 21, 2020. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations (or volunteering) to Kansas City Hospice – Angels on earth.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com