Brenda Stokes

Eleanor "Brenda" Stokes passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, just three days shy of her 89th birthday. She was born on January 25, 1936, in Pittsburgh, PA to Michael and Nora Brenda O'Shea. Brenda was a cherished resident of Marietta, OH, where she spent many years surrounded by her loving family and friends.

A graduate of St. Paul's Cathedral High School in Pittsburgh, Brenda dedicated her life to her family and community. Brenda was the devoted wife of the late George Michael Stokes, whom she married on April 30, 1955. Together, they shared a life filled with love and laughter. She created a warm and welcoming home for her loved ones. Her passion for helping others was evident in her volunteer work at Ewing School, where she worked with children with disabilities, and at Putnam Elementary School. Brenda also served as an election poll worker, contributing to her community in numerous ways. She was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed living her faith through her life. She also enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, playing cards, and spending time with her family and friends. Brenda Stokes will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.

Brenda is survived by her children, sons, Ray Stokes (Anne Marie), Bob Stokes (Cindy), and Mike Stokes (friend Jonna Munfield); daughters Cathy Stokes (Ken Saylors), Miriam Moore (Randy), and Sharon Huff (Bradley). Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Jonny Stokes (Cristina), Nik Stokes, Sean Stokes (Lexi), Erin Shetler (Brandon), Michael Stokes (Laurel), Lindsay Arndt (Drew), Shannon Moore, Nicole Stokes, Brianna Stokes, Valerie Kiphart (Jason), and Jake Huff, as well as her great-grandchildren: Luna, Aidan, Rhys, Conor, Nora, Noah, Mason, Payton, Piper, and Oaklen. She is also survived by her brother Jack O'Shea, sister Joan Pupik, brother-in-law Mike Aquiline, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her son Mark Stokes, and her sisters Eileen Aquiline and Sarah O'Donoghue.

A Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta, Ohio at 10:00 a.m. with a burial to follow at the New St. Mary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in the church hall following the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, 506 4th Street, Marietta, OH 45750, or to Amedisys Hospice, 27855 OH-7, Marietta, OH 45750.

Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home is honored to serve the Stokes family and offers online condolences and resources at www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.