Brenda Faye Lawrence Wathen
October 5, 1954 ~ November 8, 2011
Services:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM in Holy Angles Catholic Church, Avenue, MD with Fr. Michael Tietjen officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 3:00 PM- 6:00 PM where prayers will be recited at 5:00 PM followed by Seventh Dist Vol. Rescue Squad prayers at 5:15 PM.
Brenda Faye Lawrence Wathen, 57, of Mechanicsville, MD, died on November 8, 2011 in Callaway, MD. Born on October 5, 1954 she was the daughter of Rosemary Lawrence and the late Francis McQue Lawrence. She was the loving companion of Mike Machesney. Brenda is survived by her children; Kristie Covington (Dwayne) of St. Leonard, MD, Stacey Willett (Mickey) of Bushwood, MD, Morgan Thompson (Mitch Goddard) of Hollywood, MD, grandchildren; Ashley and Anthony “Bubba” Covington, Donovan Wathen and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Willett. Brenda is also survived by her siblings: Stevie Lawrence (Gail) of Avenue, MD, Gwen Tarantola (Michael) and Ida Abell (BK) of Mechanicsville, MD, Mac “Brother” Lawrence (Kathy) of Clements, MD, Tina Graves (Glenn) of Bushwood, MD, and Lana Cameron of Leonardtown, MD. Brenda graduated from Chopticon High School in 1972 and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. She was an office manager for the State Highway Administration for 35 years and a member of the 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary serving as the recording secretary. Brenda enjoyed her Grandchildren, NASCAR, Go-cart racing, reading, and crossword puzzles. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 3:00PM – 6:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with prayers recited at 5:00 PM with 7th Dist. Vol. Rescue Squad at 5:15 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:00 in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD, with Fr. Michael Tietjen officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be: Paul Abell, Mac “Lil Mac” Lawrence, Matthew Hartman, Randy Hill, Jason Graves, and Garfield Young. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Brittany Wenk, State Highway Administration, and the 7th District Rescue Squad. Contributions may be made in memory of Brenda Lawrence Wathen to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
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” To Stevie, Rosemary & family: I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Brenda as I would liked to have. She will now be your guardian angel watching down on each one of you. She will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care. Love, Mary Agnes “
“Thoughts and prayers to the family. Brenda was a wonderful person and will be missed.”
“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Brenda’s family. She was a wonderful lady and was a positive influence in the lives of all she met. God bless.”
“Kristie, Stacey, Morgan and family, Stars are not only for wishing upon. They’re also the windows of heaven that allow our loved ones to watch over us. Your mom will always be with you and your family. She is embedded into your hearts and the memories of her will never fade. Thoughts and prayers are with you girls.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with you all. “
“To the entire family,I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a wonderful peron. Our prayers are with you.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out on the loss of such a special person. “
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. “
“To Brenda’s Family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I was a close friend of Brenda for 38 years. I worked at the State Highway Administration in Prince Frederick, MD and communicated daily. We knew she was suffering and now she is in a better place.”
” We want to extend to all of Brenda’s family and friends our heartfelt sympathy. We have known her since childhood and she is very dear to us. May God and our Blessed Mother bring comfort to each and every one of you now just knowing that she is resting in peace in heaven with them and with Mac. We will continue to remember all of you in our thoughts and daily prayers and if there is anything else we can do, please feel free to call anytime. “
“To Brenda’s Family,-during these hard times, the hurt we feel is the very thing that brings out the best in our memories, things we forgot, pain, good times, bad, and happiness. Your memories will grow and the pain will die. We need to remember that Brenda endured alot and touched many lives. She brought smiles to everyone she met. She was a lovely lady whom many will miss. God bless you all and peace be with you Brenda. “
“Rose Mary and Family, Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this sad time.”
“To Brendas Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Brenda for over 30 years and the SHA will never be the same withouth HER. She and my family were very close and shared a lot of good memories together. I could always count on her whenever I had a problem to be solved. Hopefully when it is my turn to go, she will be the first one I see at heavens gate. We will always think of her.”
” To Brenda”s Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Brenda for 15 yrs. and will cherish all those memories for ever, It’s not going to be the same here at state Highway, were going to miss you dearly .Brenda will always be a part of our Sha Family. Love and miss you !!!”
“”We are so very sorry for your loss…God Bless.”
“To all who loved Brenda, I just don’t know where to begain!!! What a beautiful person. She was so strong and fought for a long time. Knowing that she was so sick when I would see her and ask how she was, she would always say “I’m fine” with a big smile. She was never ready to give up, but when it was time, she excepted it. She loved you all so much, and never had to say a word she glowed when she talked about anyone in her family. I can’t image your pain you are feeling right now. You will get through this with anger, tears and laughter. I lost my best friend 10 years ago(my grandmother) and I still cry, laugh and feel her presents everyday. She is still with me and guides me but from a diffrent place. Keep her memories really close. May GOD give you the strenght to get through these sorrowful times ahead. I send prayers, and hug of comfront your way. Love To All !!!”
“To Brenda’s family-you were the light of her life and the stories she would tell me about mom. I could always count on her to have a smile on her face whenever I visited the shop, not to mention the candy supply! She will be missed by many and hard to replace. Rest in peace and enjoy the Heavenly races!”
“To Brenda’s family: We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends at this very sad time. Johnny, Donna, Nicki, JohnJohn and Trevor”
“Saddened to hear of your loss she was a wonderful woman. I have many great memories. May you rest in peace knowing that she is no longer suffering and is in the hands of our Lord God.”
“Brenda you fought a long, hard fight….and you are now at peace and no longer suffering. Give the girls the strength they need in these times to come and protect them with your angel wings. We will cherish all the memories we have of you. May you rest in peace… DJ, Sara, and Blake “
“Thinking of Brenda’s family during this time of sorrow. Brenda was a good person, with a wonderful personality. I did not know that she was sick, but I know the sorrow of having a very sick mom and sister, not wanting them to leave me, but knowing that their leaving was an end to their misery and pain. “
“We are so very sorry for your loss. Brenda was such a kind and giving person. She looked out for everyone she worked with and we really appreciate her for that. You all are in our prayers.”
“Kristie, Stacey, Morgan & family – Brenda gave a good fight but now shes no longer suffering or in pain. You know her and Rooster will be up there watching over all of us and smiling. Brenda was so funny when I was teasing her about things, I’ll never forget how many times she told me she was gonna beat my “butt” .. Thats my godmother..Brenda will be missed very much.. Take care and remember shes gonna be watching over all of you… God Bless.”
“To Morgan,Kristy,Stacey and Lawrence Family : We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Brenda . What a wonderful woman and friend we have loss . We’ve had lots of good times over many of years . We will miss her . God bless you all. “
“What a strong woman Brenda was and such an inspiration to us all. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything.”
“So sorry for your loss. She’s with her Daddy watching over you all. “
“Tina, Think of all the fun times you’ve shared, the quiet times you’ve spent together and all the times you’ve helped each other through… I know it seems you’re all alone with such a heavy burden that you alone must bear. I may not know just what to say nor exactly what to do. But may you be assured to know I’m praying just for you. “
“I am very sorry for your loss of this wonderful woman. She is no longer in pain and fighting, but she will continue to be in my heart. She always took such great care of my Dad! Rest in peace Brenda! God bless you all during this difficult time. “
“Kristy, Stacey & Morgan, Our thoughts and prayers are with you girls during this hard time.”
“So sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”
“To the Lawrence and Wathen family…so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing…we grew up together and she was a wonderful person…she’s now in Heaven and out of pain and will watch you all from above..you are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Tina, Glenn and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow.”
“Brenda gave a gallant fight, now her suffering is over. So sorry to hear of her death. May God Bless you all during this time of sadness. Keeping you all in our hearts and prayers. Love”
“Kristy, Stacey & Morgan: We are so sorry to hear of Brenda passing away. Our thoughts & prayers are w/each one of you @ this time. God Bless! Shirley”
“Kristie,Stacey,Morgan and the Lawrence Family. “You will always feel her presence in the breezes that dance across the water and into the trees. And you will see her face when you’re in need of company. May happy memories fill your hearts and may you find comfort in remembering all the good times shared together as a family. May God Bless all of you and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.””
“To Brenda’s Family: I don’t know what to say we worked closely here at the shop for years. I will miss that smile every morning that she would give when we greeted each other. Rest in peace Brenda you will always be part of the SHA family.”
“To Brenda’s Family, my prayers are with you all for the loss of a wonderful woman. She certainly touched a lot of hearts. Roy and I thought the world of her. Roy and Dawn Williams”
“Kristie, Stacey, and Morgan – I could not imagine the pain you feel in your hearts right now in losing your mom. Aunt Brenda was a loving and caring person who would tell you straight up what she thought about on things in life. She was strong, dedicated, and loving. She loved each one of you girls very much and wants only the best as any mom would for their daughters. Always treasure the good times and know that she will be with you in spirit always and forever. May God enjoy her presents, joy, and laughter she has to bring to heaven. Just know in your hearts that she is not in pain anymore and doesn’t want her girls to be sad. Granted it’s easy saying than doing but know that she is the wind beneath your wings and will always follow you anywhere you go in life. Stay strong and let me know if we can do anything for you girl. Take care – Shayne, Julie, and Christian”
“To Brenda’s family, I know she has left a great void in your life, but know that she is free of pain and suffering. Brenda and I worked together a lot of years;we worked at SHA and at 9-1-1 Communication. We would joke and have fun on the phone, even during storms. Our way of coping. God bless you all.”
“Morgan and family – We are very sorry for the loss of your mom. She is no longer in pain and will forever be at your side. Thinking of you all, please let us know if you need anything. Take care – Lee, Magen, Riley, Jackson and Colton”
“On behalf of my parents and I, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to RoseMary, Stevie, and all the family. Brenda fought the good fight and is now free of pain and suffering. It is hard to believe that her and Rooster were born just weeks apart and leave us just weeks apart! Brenda was a great lady and told you what she thought and didn’t beat around the bush. She made life FUN. I’m sure Heaven is a bit happier and somewhat louder w/her & Rooster there. New Angels to watch over us and guard us until we see each of them again. Rest in Peace. “
“Kristie,Stacey,Morgan,Stevie, and Brenda’s entire family my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and she will be miss by me and the good times we had together.”
“My prayers go out to Tina, Stacy and the rest of Brenda’s family. God needed another angel to watch over you all. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Candy and Chuck Kinsey”
“Words cannot express the emptiness I know you girls are feeling right now. Brenda fought a hard battle and the Good Lord called her home. Celebrate her life and remember all of the good times you girls had with her. Whenever you look up in the sky, smile, becasue she’s looking right at you. Keep your head’s up and be happy for the time you got to spend with your mom. May she rest in peace.”
“To Brenda’s family, my thoughts & prayers are with you. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. I feel blessed to have known her for all this time. She had one of the biggest hearts & a beautiful smile to go with it. God Bless.”
“Stevie & Gail, I was sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. May all of your cherished memories help you in the days ahead. Love to you both, Diane”
“We may have lost our friend, but we have gained an angel. We are so sorry for your loss.”
“To Brenda’s Family – So sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing. We would see Brenda all over at many functions and had many good times and laughs together. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
“Brenda will be missed very much. What I will miss the most is when I would run up to her, wrap my arms around her and kiss her cheek everytime I visited the SHA Leonardtown shop. She would laugh and call me a crazy lady. I am glad I have those moments to remember. Rest in peace Brenda. Hugs and Kisses forever.”
“Kristie, Stacie, Morgan, and Lawrence Family: Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend. Brenda has now gone to heaven to take care of God’s timesheets, order his supplies, and take care of his highways to heaven. She truely was dedicated to her job and co-workers at State Highway. Rarely was their a time she was not there to take care of business and everybody. She tried so hard to overcome her illness, but God now has better plans for her with him. May God comfort you all during this painful time. May you treasure all the beautiful years you had with her. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. “
“Stevie, I am saddened by your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless, Rose Mary”
“Kristie, Stacey, Morgan, Stevie, and Brenda’s entire family, my sincere sympathies to you on your loss. She will be an angel watching over you at all times now. She is no longer suffering and able to rest peacefully now. Take Care of each other and surround yourselves with all the wonderful memories you have to cherish.”
“” To Brenda’s Family and State Highway Family” – I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I will miss her so much. I always enjoyed working with her, arguing with her over NASCAR and Jeff Gordon,talking about the latest gossip in the Fire Department, and most of all swapping info on the latest policies that will make our jobs more difficult. I’ll think about her all the time and cherrish every moment that we have spent together. “
“When I think of Brenda, I think of all the good times we had playing softball in our front yards. We were all a big family. We were together everyday and I mean everyday. We were more like brothers and sisters. Time goes by so fast, but I can still remember all the fun we had. I know you guys will miss her a lot. She carried her cross for a long time. I will never forget her smile and the kindness she showed to me over the years. I will pray that God will help you guys get through this difficult time. “
“To the Lawerence family our hearts go out to you. Brenda was a friend since grade school and no matter how long it had been between seeing each other she would just pick up from the last meeting. Just know she is in no more pain and she will always be looking upon your family from up above.”
“To all of Brenda’s Family, the girls and Mike – I am so sorry about Brenda. I will miss her so much. She was such a strong woman and a fighter. These last few years she gave it her all, she had a good attitude and she was determined to enjoy life. She is such a big part of my time with State Highway. We always helped each other out and shared lots of meetings and rides up the road to Baltmore and Annapolis to meetings. From “let me ask you something” to “let me tell you something”, “your such a sh**” and “Bite Me”.I’m going to miss her so much!!! If there is every anything I can do for any of you please let me know.”
“To Brenda’s family: We are very sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. See will be missed very much. “
“Kristie, Stacey, Morgan and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Please know that I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You now have a beautiful angel watching over you <3 "
“So Sorry for your loss she is now going to a better place always keep her in your prayers she will always be there when you need her. Stevie so sorry. God bless you all. “
“To Brenda’s Family, I had the Pleasure of working with Brenda for 30 plus years. She always kept us on our toes, watching our P’s and Q’s and with her poster of “A.J” covering her wall, she kept our time cards straight. Brenda was one-of-kind and a Good Friend to All that knew her. May she suffer no more. May God Bless you all. With love and Fond memories…”
“Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Brenda. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May you find comfort in your memories of your time with her.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are wilth you all during this difficult time.”
“To all of Brendas family,I was so sorry to hear about Brenda’s passing, I’ve stayed in contact with her until this past Sept. I will always remember the real good and funny times at State Highway and I will never forget her. She made coming to work enjoyable. Heaven will be glad to have her up there. “
“To all who Loved Brenda, Dave and I are very sorry for the passing of Brenda, She grew her own set of wings well before her passing, and is now using them so carefree. Rooster and the many other’s that Greeted her at the Gates of Heaven are now laughing, joking around, and are watching over each of you. May they and the Lord comfort you now in your time of Grief. Take care, Terry and David Williams from Clements”
“Tina, Ida, Mac, Stevie, Rosemarie and to all the other family members. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow and grief. Brenda was a warm, fun loving person and will be missed.”
“To Brenda’s family, sorry for your loss. I will miss all the talks that we had and all the laughes at work too. Rest in peace.”
“Our paryers and thoughs are with you during this difficult time. God Bless “
“Stevie,Gail & Lawrence Family.Thinking of You All. Keeping you in my Thoughts & Prayers. God Bless”
“To Brenda’s family she will be missed very much. I have known Brenda since I have been at SHA, she always had answer’s for me when I had a problem. I will miss you very much. Now you can watch over me from heaven above.”
“To all of Brenda’s family, Sorry to hear of her illness and passing. She is with God now. “
“I am sorry for the loss of all who knew Brenda. To her mom who lost her daughter,to the brothers and sister who lost their sister,for the children who lost their mother,for the nieces and nephews who lost their aunt,the grandchildren who lost their grandma and for her friends and the community to all lives she touched.I will pray for everyone that your time of greiving will pass quickly. “
“Rose Mary, Steve and the whole family. I was sorry to hear the news. But just remember that there is no more pain for Brenda she is now at home with her Dad pain free. I will keep you all in my prayers. “
“To Brenda’s entire family, I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda loved all of you and she cared deeply for all of you as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you. “
“BRENDA WILL SURELY BE MISSED BY MANY FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. I DID NOT KNOW HER PERSONALLY BUT I AM A FRIEND OF GWEN AND HER FAMILY. GWEN HAS SHARED A LOT OF STORIES AND I FEEL LIKE I AM A FRIEND TO BRENDA ALSO. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND I HOPE THEY FIND PEACE AND COMFORT BY LEANING ON EACH OTHER. THANK GOD THERE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL AND CARING COMPANION FOR BRENDA IN HER LAST YEARS.”
“Stevie and Tina, we were sadden to hear about Brenda. Remember all the good times and know that she will be hanging over your shoulder whenever you need her. We are praying and are hear if you need anything.”
“STEVE AND ALL THE LAWRENCE AND WATHEN FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY ABOUT BRENDA’S PASSING AND TO LET YOU KNOW WE ARE THINKING OF YOU ALL AT THIS SAD AND DIFFICULT TIME. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.”
“Tina…you and Brenda created so many precious memories together–may that special bond you shared with her be held close in your heart. The Girls Softball team, the Tuggers, will miss their biggest fan but they know she will be their “angel in the outfield” for she is at peace. Deepest sympathy and God bless your entire family during this most difficult time of sorrow.”
“Thoughts and prayers to all of Brenda’s family. It was evident how much she was loved by the huge funeral today. “
“To Brenda’s family – We are sorry for your loss. Brenda always had a smile on her face when I saw her. She was an amazing lady. She considered my Dad as family and they worked side by side at SHA. Keep the memories of her close to heart. You will be missed dearly. Rest in peace Brenda! Love, Brandon, Melissa & Hailey Long”
“We are so sorry for your great loss. Our prayers are with you all. “
“Kristie, Stacey, and Morgan – I want you to know that you have my deepest sympathy. Unless you’ve lost a mother no one can understand the pain you’re feeling. So I’ll be the last to say I understand. Brenda meant the world to my mother (Regina). Brenda will forever be with you as you hold her closely in your heart. Put your trust in God and he will get you through this. “
“Thinking of you all with my deepest sympathy and praying God wraps his arms around each of you to comfort and console you.”
“To all of the family of Brenda. I’m so sorry for the loss of Brenda. She is now with the Lord and smiling down on all of you. God Bless all of you and you will be in my prayers.”
“I just learned of Brenda’s passing this evening and am deeply saddened. She was a very strong woman who dealt with things as they came along. I know she is at peace and will always be watching over you all. May she rest in peace and the tranqility of our Lord.”