Brenda Lee Hess

Brenda Hess, age 72, passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 20th, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 26th, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, beloved daughter to the late Earl A. and Blanche Barnes. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Hess; 2 beloved children, Melissa Sussman (“Tommy”) and Robert J. Hess, Jr. (Rachel); 3 cherished grandchildren, Skylar Hess, Landen Hess, and Kyla Rose Sussman; 5 dear siblings, Earl Barnes, Judy Kessler, Dennis Barnes, Susan Brown, and Donna Entwistle. In addition to her parents, Brenda is preceded in death by her beloved sister, Nancy Wagner. Brenda spent her life showing others what unconditional love, strength, and devotion truly looked like. Brenda and Robert wed on June 15, 1974. Together they built a life centered around family, laughter, loyalty, and love. Brenda was a devoted mother, sister, and granddaughter. Anyone who knew Brenda knew her as loving, caring, sharp-witted, funny. She had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared for, no matter who they were. Many people affectionately called her “Mom,” because that is exactly how she treated everyone — with warmth, comfort, and compassion. As a parent, she was forgiving yet stern when needed, always wanting the best for her family. If something needed to be put together or fixed, she would smile and say, “This is how you do it,” usually showing everyone an easier and better way. Brenda loved shopping, sewing, watching television, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren. She especially loved country music, Hallmark movies, and classics like Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and White Christmas. She was a wonderful companion, travel partner, and the kind of person whose presence made one feel like home. Through all her struggles her spirit never quit, even when her body became tired. In her final days, she was surrounded by love. She was able to witness special moments with her family, including seeing her granddaughter off to prom and her son finally get married. Loved ones gathered around her continuously for days and created amazing memories to remember forever. Though her passing leaves an unimaginable emptiness, her family takes comfort knowing she is finally at peace and resting free from pain. From their first breath to her last, Brenda gave her family everything she had. Her strength, toughness, humor, and love will live on through everyone she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. A visitation will be held on Tuesday May 26th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home 106 Shamrock Rd. Chester, MD 21619. There will be a funeral service Wednesday May 27th, 2026, at 12noon also at the funeral home. Interment at Stevensville Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Following the burial, all friends and family are invited to the Queenstown Moose Lodge 6154 Main St, Queenstown, MD 21658 for a time of food and fellowship.

Brenda Lee Hess

September 26, 1953 - May 20, 2026