Matsen, Brenda Rae (1956-2017)
MATSEN, CURTIS, O’BRION, SCHWANZ, COOMBS
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:36:23
Brenda Rae Matsen
February 10, 1956 - December 23, 2017Surrounded by her family, Brenda Rae Matsen, 61, died peacefully on December 23, 2017, at the Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on February 10, 1956, in Storm Lake.
Best known as “Mother of the Year,” each and every year as declared by her daughters, Brenda coveted the title—second only to that of Grandmother. She enjoyed shopping trips with her girls, sleepovers with her grandkids, and her views of the San Tan Mountains. Her passions included baking, reading, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones with her husband, Jess. She was best described as loving, generous, and courageous.
Engaged in a super-human fight for the past thirty years, Brenda fought off cancer, heart disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. Often known as the miracle patient, she waged each battle with strength and bravery, famously defying the odds.
Brenda spent her working years with Land O’Lakes, Fort Dodge Laboratories, and Boehringer Ingelheim. A graduate of Buena Vista University with a degree in business and entrepreneurship, she worked last in research and development, specializing in regulatory affairs. In addition, she had, at one time, served as a board member of the American Cancer Society and the Fort Dodge Community School Foundation.
Brenda is survived by Jess, her husband of thirty-nine years; her two daughters, Jennifer (Chad) Curtis, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Ashley (C.J.) O’Brion, of Chandler, Arizona; her grandchildren: Spencer and Lauren Curtis and Taylor and Avery O’Brion; her parents, Wilbert and Lila Schwanz; her brother, Brian (Colleen) Schwanz; and her sister, Rhonda (Tony) Coombs, all of Alta.
A celebration of life service will be held for family and friends in Arizona on February10 as well as one in Iowa at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Matsen Family at 31997 N. Larkspur Drive, San Tan Valley, Arizona 85143.
Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, Arizona, 2017.
Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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