Brenda S. Grager, 68, of Strasburg, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at her home surrounded by family. Born in Kinzers, PA, she was the daughter of Mildred E. (Sheaffer) Young and the late C. Everett Young.
She was a graduate of Pequea Valley High School, attended Mansfield University and received her bachelor’s degree from Eastern University in 2008. Brenda retired from IU13 in 2016.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Lancaster and active in the choir. She also served as choir director and organist for several local churches.
Brenda felt that her children and grandchildren were the greatest blessing in her life . She was passionate about music and enjoyed singing with various ensembles including Lancaster Chamber Singers and Musical Associates of Lancaster. She also cherished time with friends, going out for lunch and attending the theater.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by 3 children: Lori Groff wife of Kurtis of Lancaster, Deanna Grager of Strasburg and Todd Grager husband of Natalie of Millersville; 5 grandchildren: Tanner, Trevor & Jillian Groff and Avery & Coen Grager; 3 siblings: Dale Young husband of Lynda of Columbia, Kathleen Goss wife of Douglas of Willow Street and Scott Young husband of Karen of Lancaster as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service at First United Methodist Church, 29 East Walnut St. Lancaster, PA 17602 on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 7:00 PM. An informal visitation will follow the service. Brenda appreciated many colors. Please feel free to wear any color & pattern or wear pink in honor of Brenda’s courageous fight with breast cancer. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. To view the service virtually, please click the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/brenda-grager In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made to Anchor Lancaster, 29 East Walnut St. Lancaster, PA 17602. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Lisa
Brenda’s family,
I was so sorry to hear that Brenda left the world. I was Brenda’s co-worker. There were very many times that Brenda and I shared our love for the Lord. It is with the memories of those conversations that I am confident she is rejoicing right now. It is never easy for those left behind. It can shake our here and now sometimes, but we do have blessing knowing how very much she loved the Lord. I pray that the Lord will comfort you as you learn to walk this life with her being someplace else until you meet again.
Sincerely,
Lisa
Kimberly Lewis
My condolences to the family. I hope you all can find strength and acceptance at this difficult time.
Frances suah
To Todd and sisters I am sorry to hear that you have lost your mom but I want to say that she is in a better place. I got to know Brenda in a short time but she seems to be a God fearing person may she rest in perfect peace. Have my deepest sympathy Lori,Deanna ,Todd and the many grandchildren. It was great to know briefly. It frances the caregiver
Beth
To Brenda’s family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked briefly with Brenda at IU13, and she was always very friendly and had a warm smile. She loved talking about her family and her love of music. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time and in the times ahead.
Jan Stauffer
Dear Deanna an d Lori,
I was so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s fight with cancer and now her passing all too soon! Sending love and prayers your way!
Constance L Kiser
Dear Lori, Deanna and Todd,
We were so sorry to hear that your sweet mom left her earthly home. But there is joy in knowing she is now in her eternal home with her Heavenly Father.
We have so many precious memories of times spent with your family! Fun choir times when she directed at First Pres. Youth group adventures and memorable conversations regarding one of you when it came to Sunday School behavior. Love you Todd! You were so well behaved when you got to Sr. High. It was a joy to be your teacher! It was a joy to spend those years with all 3 of you! And your mom was a Blessing to me through all of them.
I am hoping I can make it to the memorial to see you all.
Love and Sympathy,
Connie and Brad
Susan Grimm Mattox
Dear Brenda’s Family,
I traveled to South Korea with your Mother. She was a delightful lady and was a devoted Christian. Her musical talents were amazing. Brenda always was talking about her family. My deepest condolences to all.
Peace,
Sue Grimm Mattox
Sally Reinhart
Dear Lori, Deanna, Todd,
I am so saddened by Brenda’s passing. My deepest sympathy to all the family. I know she so loved her family. We had many laughs together, especially at Silver Sneakers. We always said that we were “ kind of related” since we shared the same niece and nephew. Hold onto those precious memories.
Love, Sally and Don
Joanna Underhill
Brenda was my fellowship buddy when I joined First Church. She was a truly lovely, warm, smart, genuine, and humorous human being. My sincere condolences to your family.
TImothy Benton
I knew Brenda from First United Methodist Church, Lancaster
She & I did Taza together at FUM Church.
I will truly miss her.
Tim Benton
Leigh-Anne Drumm
Dear Family members,
Brenda was a warm and generous spirit. I met her through love of music and children at FUMC, but also would see her at the YMCA. Gone too soon, but remembered fondly. My thoughts are with you and prayers for comfort at this time.
Blessings,
Leigh-Anne Drumm
Deb Gilgore
Our heartfelt condolences to the extended Young-Grager family on the passing of Brenda. We were blessed to have known her through FUMC and Willow Street Church. Her love for music was inspirational, and her smile was infectious. We shall miss her, and pray for your comfort at this tender time and in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Deb and Rick Gilgore
Hilary Thompson
Dear Todd and his beautiful sisters and their families,
Your beloved Mother was such a genuine, kind and faithful woman. I have many precious memories of her from our First Pres. days! Brenda was a blessing to us all and will be greatly missed.
Sending our love and deepest sympathies to you all. Holding you up in prayer during this difficult time.
Love,
The Thompson family- Hilary, Adam and Charlotte <3
Lisa Matos
I am saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. I enjoyed working with Brenda at the IU 13. She was such a nice and caring person My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please accept my deepest condolences. I hope knowing she is with our Heavenly Father is a comfort to all of you.
Susan Payne
My husband sang in choirs and choruses most of his life and thought Brenda was among the best directors he had. When he was in Cedarbrook at Willow Valley suffering from dementia she visited and took him peanuts because she remembered how much he liked them. I am so sorry she has left this world far too young.
Bob Brackbill
Grager Children, Dale, Kathy, Scott, and Family,
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your loving Mother and dear Sister. I have many fond memories of Brenda, from “growing-up” together at Leacock Presbyterian. When I was very young, it always confused me how we could have the same Aunt and Uncle (Herman & Jane Brackbill). My thoughts are with you as you work through this difficult time.
Bob Brackbill
Emery DeWitt
Brenda and I shared many musical intersections, beginning with the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church. She and I also worked together a few times in the Taize service there, she as cantor, I as oboist. And I was so grateful for her participation for several seasons with Musical Associates, a chamber choir that I direct. Brenda was versatile, so some years she sang alto, and others, soprano!
Brenda was such a good soul, always a pleasure to be around, and always a wonderful addition to the music being made. All of her musical friends will deeply miss her!
Rodney Lingo
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Brenda. My wife and I were in the choir led by Brenda at WSUCC for a few years. We could see the love of the Lord in her and know how very much she loved the Lord. I pray that the Lord will send his comforter to be with you as you go through these trying times until you meet again.
Mark Forsha
Lori, Deanna, and Todd,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your gracious and talented mother. My sympathies to you and your family. May you all find peace and joy when remembering her life, her music, and her kind personality. Truly thinking of you and praying for you!
Brenda and Glenn Book
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Brenda was a lovely and kind lady. She brought out the best in us as director of the WSUCC choir a few years ago. Her strong faith and abiding love for the Lord was very evident and now she is with him. May your good memories bring you comfort and sustain you at this difficult time.
With sympathy and prayers,
Penny Risser
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Brenda. I have very fond memories of working with her. She was always smiling and respectful to her co-workers. She was one of the nicest people I have known. Her family was her joy and pride.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you and surround you with His love and peace during this time of sadness and grief .
Flora Poulos
Sending sincere condolences on the passing of Brenda. I enjoyed sharing her love of music when she served as our choir director at Hamilton Park UCC. She was a gifted and faithful musician who shared her talents with us.
Debbie Campbell
Hello,
This is Debbie Campbell.
I went to church with Brenda. She was a friend of mine. I enjoyed her music and her positive personality.
She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Debbie Campbell
Carole Ashby
Sincere condolences to Brenda’s family from Carole Ashby, friend of Lancaster Chamber Singers.
Bruce Grove
Bruce and Julie Grove
We attend FUMC with Brenda and would frequently cross paths at the YMCA, Lampeter Fair, and
elsewhere.
We envied her musical ability and skill at multitasking.
We will never forget her optimistic outlook and her beautiful smile.
She will be greatly missed by us.
Sincerely,
Bruce and Julie Grove