January 2, 1942 – August 23, 2024
Brenda was born to Henry and Eleanor Stevens on January 2, 1942. She was a lifelong resident of the St. Louis area. On December 1, 1962, Brenda married Ronald James Jansen. Brenda was a devoted wife and caregiver, especially in Ron’s later years, as his health declined. They were married for 50 years when Ron passed away in 2013. Together, they had and raised four children. Brenda worked tirelessly, inside and outside the home, even taking evening shift positions so she could be with her children during the days. At the age of 62, she retired from the merchandising department of Anheuser Busch.
Brenda was very intelligent, witty, fiercely independent, and generous. She excelled in the role of caregiver to anyone in need, preferring to give than to receive. For a time, until COVID, she volunteered at St. Anthony’s Hospital. She loved her children, grandchildren, pets, and grandpets. She cherished time spent with family over meals and playing board games.
She is survived by her four children, two grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many grandpets: (children) James (Cheryl) Jansen, Cynthia Jansen, Pamela (David) Kirshner, and Carol Jansen; (grandchildren) Matthew Jansen and Kymberly Jansen; and (grandpets) Tipper, DJ, Gehrig, Dew, Mae, Simon, Pace, Felice, Schuyler, Gigi, and Audie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald, and her sister, Janet Copeland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Feed My People. 171 Kingston Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125
