Brenda Lea Alexander

Brenda Lea (nee Sisson) Alexander, (age 63), died following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Brenda was born in Janesville, WI, to Marilyn and Virgil Sisson. She valued all things family, with her mother and grandparents as the main source of that love, encouragement, and pride. She feared nothing but letting her family down. As a result, she was always extremely focused and driven not to be considered weak or dependent. This desire was forged at an early age, as the only sister with three brothers. She was an achiever and admired ALL who led with a work ethic, character, and drive to push themselves and others to be their best.

She had immense pride in her hometown and the Milton School District. This came from many of her classmates, teachers, coaches, and colleagues who were positive role models and leaders in her life. Her commitment to them was on display on the field, court, track, pool, and the marching band, where she was the ultimate competitor in all she did for the Milton High School Class of ‘81. She was a MHS record holder in track sprints and on the basketball court. Her basketball team's success was a source of considerable pride and some of her fondest memories. The connection between her team and so many from the Class of ‘81, plus her colleagues from Milton Area Schools, was evident when so many took part in making her final weeks and months as loving and eventful as one could ever imagine.

Brenda was always a teacher. Inspired by Jack Gallun’s vision and expertise, she started at a young age by teaching swim lessons wherein countless Milton area children learned to swim and not fear the water. She carried that love of teaching and sports into a 34 year career as a physical education teacher. She knew her professional craft inside and out. Ultimately, she energetically returned as a teacher and contributed to Milton in her professional life. She enjoyed the “littles” kindergarten through third grades and adaptive physical education the most supporting their social, emotional, and physical development. Deep bonds were made with her children with special needs, a gift she carried wherever she went. Very few things brought her greater joy than watching those young students grow, succeed, and become leaders in their own lives.

Her joy manifested itself in many ways. Those who knew her well would be amazed at her ability to recall dates of significance. She could also recite songs and television show episodes from her childhood and school days in remarkable detail. Her songs would then often turn into “her originals” with some illicit humorous lyrics (especially when her father-in-law was present). So many laughs!

Brenda married in 1988 after falling for the charming love of her life, Bob. He was like a new can of Play-doh that smelled good, in his Stetson, and was easy to mold. They had two children and she strove to be a strong and loving presence in their lives. She loved raising her children, and she was as brave, courageous, and stubborn as a person could be in the face of many of life’s challenges while doing so. Admittedly, the Mama Bear in her was a very real thing-If you know, you know! She worked tirelessly to provide every opportunity possible for her children. She wanted nothing but the best for them and encouraged and supported them in that venture.

Her only beef in this life was not being present for future grandbabies and growing older with them around. Yet, in the end, she was at peace. Once things turned south, she expressed she had lived her best life and accomplished all that she had set out to do. She had loved her family wholeheartedly and enjoyed every minute spent with them and this ALWAYS drove her to get up and get moving every single day-until she couldn’t.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to her Agrace Hospice team and all the family members, colleagues, teammates, former students, and friends who shared their blessings and love with her during her brave fight.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; children Robert Alexander of Milton; and Briggs (Julia) Alexander of Lexington, KY; grandpuppies, Lucie Mae, Archie, and Arlo; grand kitties Oscar, Toebeans, and Zola. She is also survived by her father, Virgil (Jane) Sisson, Watertown; a brother, Scott (Rebecca) Sisson, King’s Mountain; stepsister, Angie (Adam) Adrian, Glen Haven; her father-in-law, Armon Alexander, Waunakee; brothers-in-law, Brian (Jennifer) Alexander, Waterloo, NY; and Aaron (Amy) Alexander, Lodi; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mom, Marilyn Sisson; two brothers Randy (Deb) Sisson and Mark Sisson; and mother-in-law, Rebecca Alexander.

At her request, a private family gathering and service will be held. “Rest in Peace, I’ll take it from here.”

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.  Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.