Brenda K. (Purdy) Braunecker (72) of Effingham

Brenda K. (Purdy) Braunecker, 72, of Effingham passed away peacefully at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2016, surrounded by her family, at her home in Effingham, IL.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 10 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony Schools.

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Brenda was born May 10, 1945 in Efffingham, the daughter of Loren and Verna (Curless) Purdy. She married Russell L. Braunecker on Sept. 25, 1965 and they had four children, Tal Brodi, Darek Russell, Matthew Dean and Kortney Diane. Brenda was the epitome of beauty, love and quiet grace. She was fiercely devoted to, and the foundation of, her family. She loved her family beyond anything else. She was the voice of reason, the steadying hand and the provider of confidence and support to all. She was the perfect compliment to her husband, Russ, both in life and business and lived her life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. She enjoyed nothing greater than spending time together with her family and friends. Whether it was a grandchild's recital or ballgame, watching a granddaughter prepare for prom or simply enjoying a cookout at her home on a Sunday evening, Brenda was smiling, laughing and enjoying the moment just being with her family. She especially loved the holidays, particularly Christmas. She was known to spend months decorating her home to create the perfect holiday environment for friends, family and even strangers to enjoy. Her decorating exploits were well known and publicly featured. As with everything she did, perfection was the goal and the ultimate outcome. 

Brenda enjoyed anything outdoors. She spent countless hours at her home tending to her beautiful flowers, gardening in her beds and manicuring her lawn. She was known to love the sunshine, never missing an opportunity to thank the Lord for a beautiful, sunny day while absorbing the sun rays with her perfectly golden brown skin. 

She also had a passion for shopping, enjoying a nice lunch with her friends and keeping up with the latest fashion. Brenda was never one to say "no" to a good shopping trip with her friends, daughter or daughter in laws. Her generosity to her grandchildren on these trips was oftentimes a topic of conversation amongst those that knew her. She loved to give to all she knew but particularly enjoyed providing for her grandchildren. Her beautifully quiet elegance was her staple. She loved style and had a natural  glow that everyone seemed to notice and appreciate. She was known as a great listener and provided peace and comfort to anyone in need.  She was a trusted confidant, an understated beauty and an amazing friend to so many. Most of all, she was a perfect Mother and "Mimi" to her children and grandchildren and the ideal partner in life to her husband. Our loss is Heaven's gain. 

Brenda is survived by her three sons, Tal Brodi (Amy) of Effingham, Darek Russell (Shelley) of Little Rock, Arkansas and Matthew Dean (Elizabeth) of Effingham; one daughter, Kortney Diane (Bart) Willenborg of Effingham; twelve grandchildren, Brody Loren Braunecker, Trey Russell Braunecker, Coletin Russell Braunecker, Reed Loren Willenborg, Logan Alexandra Braunecker, Avery Marie Braunecker, Will Robert Willenborg, Gavin Dean Braunecker, Elizabeth Buchanan Braunecker, Rilie Meg Willenborg, Aidan James Braunecker and Russell Everett Braunecker; mother, Verna M. Purdy of Effingham; two brothers, Ronald Purdy of Orange, California and Fred (Sandy) Purdy of Olney.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Loren A. Purdy and husband, Russ.