Brenda Jo Farnham
Brenda Jo Farnham, a woman who always put her family first, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at her home. Brenda, 64, of Charlotte was born June 1, 1960 in Battle Creek to Larry Gene Farnham and Kazuko (Uno) Farnham. As an “Air Force Brat,” Brenda lived in many different places during her childhood. She graduated from Bellevue High School and pursued a career in accounting. During her time as an Accounting Clerk at Delta Dental, Brenda was nicknamed the “Delta Queen.” Following her retirement, Brenda returned to Delta Dental as a contractor until her great-grandson, Jett, was born.
One of Brenda’s greatest joys in life was being a fun grandma and spending time with her family. She cherished them all, especially her grandson Jacob, and great-grandson Jett. She was the caring matriarch of her family. She was always known as “The Lady In Charge” who loved giving instructions for any family gathering.
Brenda enjoyed gardening in her flower beds around her home and the vegetable patch outback. She also enjoyed fishing trips in summer on the water and winter on the ice. It wasn’t uncommon for her to out fish everybody else on any given day. Travel was always one of her favorite pastimes, whether it was sightseeing across the country, or riding ATV’s in northern Michigan. Her favorite destinations were anywhere with a sunny beach. Around the home Brenda enjoyed reading thriller novels, puzzles and cooking, especially salsa. Brenda always cooked for an Army. Sending home leftovers from any family gathering was so common that family and guests developed the habit of bringing their own to-go containers to the family dinners.
As a volunteer, Brenda became a strong advocate for Siren Shelter, gathering donations from throughout the staff and executives at Delta Dental which ranged from office equipment and supplies to office furniture and computers.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Steven Lake; daughter, Charity (Jason) Gravina; son, Andrew Lake; father, Larry Farnham; brother, Robert Farnham; grandson, Jacob (Millie) Gravina; and great-grandson, Jett Gravina. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kazuko Farnham.
Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Please join the family for visitation Sunday, September 15 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Brenda’s funeral services are Monday, September 16, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Ceresco Cemetery in Ceresco Michigan where she will be laid to rest next to her mother. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Brenda’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Siren Shelter or Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.