Brenda Elaine Tran 78 years old
Brenda passed away on September 6th, in her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loved ones after courageously living with Alzheimer’s for many years.
Brenda was born on September 14th, 1945, to Ronald and Blanche Mahar. She spent her childhood in Belding, MI, where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Alan R. Tran Jr. She graduated from Belding High School in 1963.
Brenda and Al were married on January 26, 1963. Over their 61 years of marriage, they celebrated countless anniversaries, often with their family in Las Vegas, where Brenda’s favorite, Elvis, always played a special part. Together, they were blessed with 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
They began their married life in student housing at Western Michigan University. They raised their family in Plainwell, MI, and for the past fifteen years, lived in Cape Canaveral and then Stuart, Florida. Brenda attended beauty school, and though she never worked as a beautician, she was known for her unique sense of style and impeccable makeup. She worked in retail for many years, including over fifteen years at Gilmore’s Department Store in downtown Kalamazoo. Brenda also channeled her love for thrifting and finding great deals at garage sales into opening her own secondhand shop, Turn It Around Secondhand Retail Store, first in Plainwell and then Otsego.
Brenda was deeply involved in her children’s lives, supporting them in their school and sports activities in Plainwell. She leaves behind her sons Ron (Jan) of Gobles, MI; Brent (Jamie) of Palm City, FL; Dana (Jamie) of Plainwell, MI; Torre of Holland, MI; and her daughter Britt (Brian Baldridge) of West Bloomfield, MI. Additionally, Brenda leaves behind a very dear family friend, April Vernia of Otsego.
Known by many affectionate names, Brenda’s favorites were “Nana Bling Bling,” “Bling” for short, or “Nana Bling Bling Busted.” She adored her grandchildren and filled their lives with sparkle, joy, and laughter. She passed down her love for fancy nails, bedazzled jeans, and her fun, goofy sense of humor. Brenda leaves behind her 17 beloved grandchildren: Tyler (Veronica), Aubrey, Cameron, Ashley (Jimmy), C.J., Madison, Meagan, Taylor, Jalyn, Braylon, Makayla, Sean, Griffin, Ava, Layna, Reese, and Emery.
Brenda also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished in-laws. She is survived by her sister Becky Mahar VanSprange (Jim), along with Becky’s children, all of whom held a special place in Brenda’s heart as “Aunt Dix.” Brenda and Becky, lovingly referred to as “Dixie and Daisy,” spent their lives creating beautiful traditions together. Some of their most cherished memories include celebrating New Year’s in Grand Rapids, St. Patrick’s Day, and Spring Breaks in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Alan Sr. and Lorena Tran, her brother-in-law Tom Tran, her nephew Luke McNinch, and her infant siblings Robert and Bonnie Mahar.
Please join us for a Life Story Celebration where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Thursday, September 26, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. A memorial service will begin at 7 PM. Celebrate Brenda’s life online by sharing stories and photos on her personal webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.
