Obituary of Brenda Olivia Giuseppe

Brenda Olivia Giuseppe (82 years)

Brenda, the beloved wife of George Giuseppe to whom she was married for 61 blessed years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022. She was born to Emily and Harvey Johnson on August 5^th, 1940 in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Brenda lived a life full of love, faith, charity, and kindness.  She was a devoted and loving wife and an exemplar of motherhood who selflessly put others’ needs before her own. Her husband, five children and their spouses, and ten grandchildren cherished the time they had with her and are extremely proud of the life of meaning and purpose she led. George and Brenda’s marriage stands as a sterling example of holy matrimony. Their love, dedication, and commitment to one another brought a lifetime of joy and provided an unshakeable foundation to their entire family.

She was a truly exceptional and dedicated mother, always placing the needs of her children before her own. Brenda taught her children and grandchildren the virtues of faith, modesty, hard work, kindness, and generosity. She worked tirelessly in support of her family her entire life, never expecting or asking for anything in return except that her children be good people. She took the greatest pride in the accomplishments of others and never took credit for her own.

Brenda was a daily communicant at St. Agnes Catholic Church where she served as lector director and lecturer for many years. She also cleaned and prepared linens for Mass and volunteered in a variety of other parish functions such as the yearly White Elephant Sale and St Patrick’s Day fund raiser among many others. She never turned down a request to support someone in need.

Brenda also loved the outdoors and took her family to visit numerous farmer’s markets and local orchards, which always included a picnic lunch. From these orchard visits, Brenda would make fruit preserves and jellies – the peach preserves on her warm buttered biscuits were the family favorite! One of her great pleasures was taking daily nature walks in Glencarlyn Park with her two dogs, Pip and Lucky.

Brenda was an avid baker and was renowned for the many varieties of cakes, pies, cookies, and desserts that would come from her oven. Everything was made from scratch, with love and care, and were simply delicious. She baked and decorated birthday cakes for each of her children’s’ birthdays every year. The family also eagerly looked forward to having her deliver hot fresh cinnamon buns each Christmas.

Brenda was a beautiful and loving wife and mother whose generous spirit welcomed all into her home. The Giuseppe house was always open to host holiday parties, greet relatives, or invite family friends for a visit and a home-cooked meal. Brenda meant so much to so many people and will remain in our hearts forever.  She is survived by her husband George, sister Dawn Giammetta, five children, and ten grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 10:30a.m. at the Basilica of Saint Mary, 310 South Royal Street, Old Town Alexandria. The Mass of Christian Burial can be viewed live here . The recorded service may also be viewed 1 hour after the service has ended using the same link.  Please, do not send flowers and instead consider a small donation to the charity of your choice in Brenda’s honor.