Brenda was a joyful, beautiful soul. We worked together on an Alzheimer’s research project as well as co-teaching courses together when she was at Texas Tech and I was at UT San Antonio. Her contributions to nursing had a lasting effect on her students and colleagues. We had so many good times together - great fun and laughs. 
I was so blessed to know Brenda and was saddened to learn of her death. Sending love and condolences to her beloved family. 
Mary Ann Matteson

I was so sad to hear that Brenda had died.  I, and other San Antonio colleagues, enjoyed working with her for many years.  We followed her career and accomplishments.  She made important contributions to nursing, and was so much fun to be with.  While attending a meeting in Dallas, she and I attended a Garth Brooks concert.  They were selling leftover tickets and and we got 12th row seats for $25.  We sang enthusiastically along with Garth. Another time, while at a meeting in Chicago, we walked through the rain to go to Second City for a comedy show.  So many good memories.  I know you miss her terribly.  Love to all, Adrianne Linton


To Woody, Grant, Todd and family it's hard to hear that my sweet cousin Brenda has passed away. Growing up with Brenda, Billy and Davey was such a large part of my life.  Brenda always made me feel so loved!!! I miss my family. She was so smart but so kind and funny. She was wonderful. Ly always, Julie Blackwell Chase

My deepest sympathy to Brenda's family. I knew her through our work at Texas Tech University HSC SON and how much I always enjoyed being around her. Her kindness, genuine regard for others, and her hard work impacted me. I admired her and count her as a giant in nursing and a wonderful colleague.
Emily Merrill, Lubbock, TX

Brenda all of your Texas Tech friends and colleagues are going to miss you greatly....not only did you do wonderful work in North Carolina - but you were a change agent in Texas too!   

We love you.....Alexia Green,  
Dean Emeritus, 
Texas Tech University Health Sciences

Dear Woodie, Grant, and Todd, 

We're very sorry for your loss.  Brenda was an extraordinary person, and she had a profound impact.  I have many fond memories of her from as far back as I can remember at age 4 or 5.   She was always very kind to me, and she was always laughing!  

I remember being at the Lewis home in Bedford several times and also visiting with her parents and grandma, to swimming at the Blackwells (and seeing the chair that Bobby Knight threw...or at least 1 of the 500 that were auctioned off), to having a great trip to NYC with you all during Thanksgiving of 1991, and visiting your home in Cary a few times and traveling to  Monticello (where Mom and Brenda went on a hot air balloon ride together).  

Brenda was always fun and engaging.  Melissa and I really appreciated the trip that she and Woodie made to our house in NY several years ago.  Another example --of many-- of your family's kindness and caring for others was the fact that Brenda and Woodie drove from Cary to attend my grandpa's funeral in Bedford in 2002.  That meant a lot to my family and me.  Brenda could turn any moment into a celebration and instill joy in others.  

I hope that your many great memories of her bring you comfort.  Your care for her over the last many years is an incredible example to us all of strength, caring, and the importance of family.  

Sincerely, 
Brad Short  

I am so very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. We were nursing colleagues who served on a national advisory panel for several years together. The group was small and met twice per year. Brenda would always light up the room with her warmth and her smile. She always shared with us an update on Woodie and her boys and later grand kids. Her family was her pride and strength.  Sending prayers to her family during this difficult time.

Words cannot express the person that was Dr. Brenda Cleary.   She was generous and kind.   She shared her talents with others to make them their best selves.  She always encouraged me, and opened doors to professional opportunities in my nursing career.   She always saw possibilities and was quick to examine the data so we could move and advance our work.   She role modeled how important it was to find professional and personal balance.   She loved her family dearly and was so proud of them.   She will be missed here on earth, but is no doubt rejoicing in heaven.  God got a great one when he called Brenda home.   

I am so sad to hear of Brenda’s passing. I was a secretary at Texas Tech in Odessa, Tx. Brenda got me into the nursing program at Texas Tech and nursing has been such a blessing in my life. I pray for comfort for those who mourn her passing. Sharon (Nelson) Fielder

It is with a heavy heart to learn about Brenda’s passing. She was my professor, my Dean, my advisor, my mentor, my boss and most of all my friend. She encouraged everyone she knew to strive for excellency. She could handle multiple tasks at one time with ease and always with a positive outlook. Rest easy, my friend. Everyone who knew you will miss you being part of this world. 
Gayleen and Pete Ienatsch

Although not having been in touch in recent years with Brenda, I have fond memories of our times at Covenant Christian Church. She was the sweetest, most generous person and a dear friend.  My sincere condolences.

We were honored to call Brenda a friend for over 45 years.  Effervescent, highly intelligent, energetic, loving, caring, and sweet, she was exactly the person you wanted in your life. And who could forget that absolutely wonderful laugh of hers? Brenda was the godmother of our younger daughter, and, between our two families, we shared many of life’s special occasions.  A devoted wife to Woodie and a loving mother to Grant and Todd, Brenda will be missed and thought of often in the years to come. The world is a lesser place without her presence.

Norma and Jim Todd

Although having not talked to Brenda in many years, I knew her as an “Absolute Jewel”.  
She always had loving & encouraging words for everyone. 
My deepest sympathy to Woody & her entire family.
Respectfully,
Carl Short

What an amazing influence my cousin Brenda was for me. I’m so glad I got to spend quality time with her throughout my life. From childhood visits in Valparaiso and Texas to her most recent visit when she came to Portland for a keynote presentation she was giving. I will always appreciate her support and guidance throughout pivotal moments in my life. RIP Brenda. 

To have met Brenda - - even for a moment - - was a privilege. To have been her friend is a blessing and honor. I am changed for the better because of her.
Brenda's sweet, generous spirit and boundless joy - - 
her gentle touches of wisdom and compassion - - 
her unbending optimism and hope - - 
and her unfaltering support and love of others - - 
will continue to strengthen and inspire all who knew her.
There couldn't be a more beautiful legacy.

At the Christmas tree farm with Grant and Emmy

This little boy will forever miss his Grandma. 

We are so very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing, she was always a favorite older cousin to me and my sisters. Brenda was always so kind and often would read stories to us younger cousins at Grandma Lewis’s house. Sending thoughts and prayers.       Karen Lewis Wise and Helen Lewis 

The news of Brenda’s passing was sad and many of her colleagues will miss her and the sunshine rays she brought to all of us in the nursing profession. All of us will forever remember  the contributions she made  to nursing and her enthusiasm for life in general was infectious. 
To her family I say she was the best of everything. I hope her extraordinary contributions to living a full  life will sustain you during this difficult time.
My condolences and love. 
Dr. Ana Valadez, FAAN

Brenda was truly a lovely woman. When I rented the Cleary's place in DC she welcomed me like a mother, and we enjoyed catching up on the phone from time to time to each other's news. She was so very obviously the light and life of her loving family and she absolutely adored her children and grandchildren. The devotion between Brenda and Woodie was so warming to witness. Rest in peace, Brenda.

Brenda was a beloved member of "Women's Group" in Valparaiso, IN and returned for a reunion of women who had participated over the years.

An early photo of Brenda at Women's Group when our children were small. She always cracked us up with funny stories. She could pack more activities into any 24 hour day than anyone in this group of high achieving women!

We loved having her return to visit. None of us will ever forget this energetic, funny, charismatic friend. Sending love to Woodie, Grant & Todd & families.

OBITUARY

Brenda Lewis Cleary

September 8, 1951 – June 5, 2023

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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