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1954-2026
Brenda Vujaklya, a devoted wife, adoring mother, doting grandmother, dedicated teacher, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at her residence in Calcutta on July 29, 2026, at the age of 72. Born at home in Chester, West Virginia, on June 2, 1954, the daughter of Gerald R Parker and the late Carolyn Johnson Parker, Brenda built her life around the people she loved most, leaving behind a legacy of family, warmth, and devotion that will be treasured for generations.
Above all else, Brenda adored her family, and being with them was where she was happiest. Her husband Pete, whom she married on July 29, 1978, was her soulmate and constant companion, and together they built a home filled with love. Brenda passed away on the day of her 48th wedding anniversary, now a date filled with both sadness and beauty. It is a touching reminder that love is stronger than time and continues well after goodbye. During their time together, Brenda and Pete raised two sons, Christopher and Matthew, and she took immense pride and joy in watching their families grow. Brenda's love extended far beyond herself, and she willingly embraced the important role of helping raise her two nieces, Carey and Breanna. Brenda's grandchildren were, without question, the light of her life, and few things brought her more happiness than time spent with them.
Brenda's home was truly her family's gathering place. She delighted in planning and hosting holiday celebrations, filling every room with warmth, laughter, and the comfort of togetherness. Her family and friends remember her as an exceptional listener and confidante. Someone whose door, and heart, were always open, who offered honest, unpolished advice, and who could be trusted completely with life's most closely held secrets. Her cooking was the stuff of family legend, and every gathering around her table became a cherished memory.
A proud graduate of Midland High School, Class of 1972, Brenda went on to earn her Master's Degree from Kent State University. She carried that same nurturing spirit into a devoted career of over 35 years teaching 6th grade in the Beaver Local School system, inspiring countless young minds before her retirement in 2011. Just as she nurtured her students, she nurtured her garden. An acre of flowers and vegetables tended with such care that it earned the Garden of the Month award from the East Liverpool/Calcutta Garden Club and was even featured in a national magazine. An avid scrapbooker, she preserved family memories with the same loving devotion she gave to every relationship in her life, ensuring that the moments she treasured would live on for those she loved.
Brenda is preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Johnson Parker, and her brother, Richard Parker.
She is survived by: her loving husband, Pete; her father, Gerald Parker; sister, Kathy Lynn Williams; her devoted sons, Christopher (Alyson) Vujaklya of East Liverpool, and Matthew (Jamie) Vujaklya, of Calcutta; grandchildren: Mia Brynn Vujaklya, Luca Christopher Vujaklya, Elyse Clair Vujaklya, and step-grandchildren Dalaney Mick, and Taylor Mick. She is also survived by her nieces: Natalie Farnsworth, Carey Parker-Yerke, and Breanna Parker.
Visitation will be held at the Martin Chapel of Care Funeral & Cremation in Calcutta on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m., officiated by Pastor Mark Blakeley of First Christian Church in Wellsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Brenda's name to Beaver Local Athletics Association by clicking the "donate" button on her obituary located at www.carechapel.com or by check to: Beaver Local Athletic Association 46090 Bell School Road, East Liverpool 43920.
8/6/26