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Kim E. Brenegar

Kim Brenegar Obituary

BRENEGAR KIM ELIZABETH BRENEGAR (Age 49) Of Washington, DC, died Friday, October 9, 2009. Born in Columbia, SC, she owned and operated The Ornamental Garden, a landscaping company based on Capitol Hill. She was a graduate of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. Kim was predeceased by her father, David Rich Brenegar. Surviving are her children, Allison Anne Strodel and Julian David Strodel; her mother, Jeanne Brenegar (Dr. Gilbert Frey); her fiance, Joseph Ardizzone; her sister, Juliet Brenegar (James) Michaud; her brother, Stewart Rich (Anne) Brenegar; nieces and nephews, Claude, Bryan, Rachel and Christine. A legion of friends, who have been touched by her dynamic spirit must be included among the survivors. The family expresses undying gratitude to so many loved ones, who have supported them. Kim will live in our hearts forever. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 25 at the Eastern Market, North Hall, 7th and North Carolina Ave. SE, Washington DC at 7 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent in memory of Kim Brenegar to: Washington Humane Society Attn: Peter Larson 4590 Macarthur Blvd Washington, DC 20007 www.washhumane.org/donations.asp

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kim Brenegar

Sponsored by Friends of Kim's Garden.

44 Entries

Carol Anne

October 12, 2024

The major impressions that are made in your life start at an early age. Kim is someone who made her mark on my life at the age of 14. When I watch the movie
Stand By Me directed by Rob Reiner I think of Kim. Adventures we had had at Mariners Museum Park Huntington Park and any place in Newport Newport News we could explore by foot. I did not see much of Kim later in life but those early teen years help to form the woman I am today. I loved Kim and her entire family and she will live in my heart forever.

Jeanne Brenegar Frey

July 6, 2024

Her memory lives on. Julie keeps it strong. Blessings on their heads,hearts,and souls. Mom and the fishing game at Union Station. Family circle of Love unbroken.

Juliet Michaud

October 12, 2019

Her spirit lives on every day. She was my best friend.

February 5, 2018

Just thinking about my dear sister, who still guides me on a daily basis. Oh, how I wish she were here.

Kenny Newman

December 15, 2013

I am thankful to all involved for the updates on Kim's Garden. I enjoyed seeing the picture of Kim's mother and son. I wish everyone involved peace and progress.

Sally Stoecker

November 12, 2011

Dear Kim,
I want you to know that Alex Portillo has become our gardener and he is such a joy to work with. Every time I see him I am reminded of you and he feels the same. Blessings and love, Sally

Sally Stoecker

November 12, 2010

Dear Kim,
I have thought of you often and today your guest book appeared, so I can share a few words...
Fred and I have been living in Australia for the past five months and soon will return home. There are so many wildflowers and trees that are unique to Australia--you would love them. There's the "Kangaroo Paw," "Bottle Brush," "Waranth" and "Pin Cushion" to name a few. Mostly in reds and yellows.
Love, Sally

Kenny Newman

June 11, 2010

Dear Family,
While searching Facebook and the internet for my old high school friend Stewart, I learned of Kim's death. I was stunned and so deeply saddened. I went on to read about the rich life she had had and how many lives she touched. I reflected on my life in high school and my time with the Brenegar Family. Such good times, such loving parents - I wish I had the same in MY teenage life.

My fondest memory of Kim was the time we went on a "date" to see Chicago at the Norfolk Scope. It was a little weird taking out my best friend's "little" sister. We had a great time and got terribly lost on the "bad" side of Norfolk coming home @ 1am. We made it out safely (with no GPS!)and my male ego only a little bruised. I've told that story a hundred times. I have nothing but positive memories of Kim - her humor, her intelligence and her unique spin on life.

May God bless all who loved her. Memories of her will last forever.

With Love and Admiration for the Brenegar Family

Mary Cole

May 8, 2010

May 6, 2010

Dear Julian and Allison,

I just learned of your mother's death. She was a ray of sunshine and perked me up every time I ran into her on the street. I hope you have drawn comfort in knowing how many people cared for her. A mother's love never leaves...she will be with you forever.

Love,

Mary and Angela Cole

Martha Kremenak

January 15, 2010

Dear Julian and Allison,
I was one of Julian's teachers at Jenkins Hill Child Development Center. I just learned of your mother's death. It's hard to know what to say. She was a very beautiful person. And you are very beautiful. Never doubt it.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know your mother has a beautiful, strong spirit that still lives.
Love,
Martha Kremenak

Sally Stoecker

December 20, 2009

Kim was a unique, funny, and devoted friend. Whenever I heard from her, my spirits lifted and a smile crossed my face. When I was down, she would listen carefully and offer advice. When she was down I would try to offer advice, but it never seemed as good as hers. Kim created our garden in front and back when we moved into our 4th St. house in 1994. What had been a jungle of weeds was magically transformed into a sustainable and elegant shade garden. Just this past summer of '09 Kim planted an array of perrenials in an area where a tree was removed and it adds so much cheer to our back garden. I will miss our walks, talks, and visits to Smithsonian seminars and local plays.I am privileged to have known her.

Doris Pierce

December 18, 2009

To each of you who is suffering the loss of your beloved Kim,in your time of need, I pray our creator shows you His power through love, mercy, and peace!I know Kim through my friendship with Jeanne and Gil. I shared time with her on several occasions. She had a beautiful, gentle spirit. I will never forget her soft smile. I know she was hard working and unselfish. Her beautiful, intelligent, courageous children are a testimony to her character. Her love for them and pride in them was obvious. The creator knit her in her mother's womb. He knew the numbers of hairs on her head. He loved her more than the lillies of the field. So, we can trust that He knew her purpose was completed, and that she rests peacefully in His arms.My prayer for each of you is that your hearts will be lifted, and you will be set free to live your lives with purpose in her honor. With love, Doris Pierce

December 16, 2009

Kim was one of the most authentic people I have known. Very few people are so self-expressed and more interested in living an honest life than looking good. "Always blessings, never losses"...We were all fortunate to have known her.

Liz F

November 1, 2009

Kim. You are missed and your loss is felt everywhere here. Kim constructed our backard after it was totllaed by Hurricane ISabel. I was pregnant and my son Julian was born just as the backyard was done. We would compare notes on our Julians when we met up... I feel she was part of the hill, and her face would appear everywhere, smiling. I cannot believe she is gone. I just cannot. She was so alive. Sorry for your loss.

Kerith Grandelli

November 1, 2009

I just know Kim from the streets of the hill. She was really a great person and I will miss her smiling face.

Maureen White

October 30, 2009

Dear Allison and Julian, Your Mom was such a cool and wonderful person. I wish I could have been with you to celebrate her at the service. I keep you both in my prayers and pray especially that you will be comforted with wonderful and loving memories. Much love, Sister Maureen

Tina Epps

October 27, 2009

Julian, Allison, Jeanne, Gil, Julie and families- Ben and I are thinking about you and praying for comfort for you at this time. I know you are tired of people saying that it will get better "with time." No one knows the proper words to say at a moment like this. One day you will be with Kim again. In the mean time, treasure all the good memories of your time together. We love you, Tina and Ben Epps

Louise Walsh

October 26, 2009

Hundreds of people are walking around today with stories about Kim in their head--tales we learned at her spectacular memorial service last night. I bet some of us went into the garden this morning--the gardens that Kim made so beautiful--thinking about where to place the memory marker given us last night. We met Kim through her business, she was so easy to connect with, that she was more friend than contractor. My husband and I were lucky enough to spend some time with Allison over the years. Of course we're stricken, but what sustains us now is remembering her joy, her kindness--she was just so refreshing. She just burst with life.
All our love to the family,
Louise Walsh and Charlie Rupp

October 26, 2009

With deepest sympathy to the Brenegar family, I cannot imagine how deep your sense of loss must be with the tragic death of Kim. Please know all those who grew up with her on Stratford Road have been grieving for you and yours. It warmed my heart to see recent photos of her and to read about all her accomplishments. One particular photo really captured the essence of the teenager Kim that I remember. I have fond memories of her teasing me and Julie. Please know you have been weighing heavily on our thoughts and in our prayers.
Leslie Potter Evett, Roanoke, Virginia

Des Shaw

October 25, 2009

Condolences from Siska and Des Shaw

Kim and Joe at Celia's summer barbeque 2009

Diana Hibbs and Magic & Ebony Payne

October 25, 2009

Ironically, the last time I saw Kim was in Baltimore Maryland when she and Joe happened to be on the same Eco Cruise as my friend and I. It was a really fun day, even if it did rain! Earlier in the summer, our mutual friend Celia had a summer backyard barbeque and I took the attached picture of her and Joe. When I learned of Kim's untimely and tragic passing, I opened up the picture and thought to myself, 'Wow, this might be the last really great picture taken of Kim and Joe.' Kim made the picture great because she picked up the red sign, and in her querky way, turned the picture into a very special photo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Allison, Julian, Joe, and all of Kim's family.

david martin

October 23, 2009

The spirit of Kim lives on through the fine work she did as a professional and resident of the greater community of "The Hill." As everyone who has ever lived, worked or played on Capitol Hill can attest, once you've been a part of this vibrant scene you are always one of the family. We should all take comfort in having known Kim - the tiny woman who is, indeed, larger than life. While I am sad to know that I'll never see her "toolin' around" in her big white pick-up truck hauling plants, mulch and her formidable energy to the next job site; each spring when the sun begins to rise higher in the sky and the earth starts to thaw I'll see her shining face in the flowers she so loved. I'll say thank you to the universe for the short time we had her with us and pray her kids,family and friends always know how much she was loved and admired by the many people whose lives she touched everyday.

Jean Gossman

October 22, 2009

My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

Bonnie Spare

October 22, 2009

Dear Brenegar and Stroedel family. We down here in Florida are so sadden about Kim's accident. Our prayers and blessing are for you.

Love Bonnie and Family

Jamal

October 21, 2009

Kim: You inspired me to live with more integrity, in terms of how i planted my garden, and how i lived my life.

Mary Lou Wentzel

October 21, 2009

May I extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. Allison, we here at Bishop O'Connell are keeping you and your family in our daily prayers.

Cris Berry-Caban

October 21, 2009

My friendship with Kim is punctuated by the numerous hurricanes that have occurred over the years. I first met Kim at her friend Joanne’s house. It was supposed to be a dinner for my brother-in-law but, Hurricane Georges was bearing down on Puerto Rico so he left DC early to help prepare for the onslaught. In typical Joanne fashion, “the dinner must go on”, and Kim, Allison and Julian were invited. This was the evening of September 20, 1998.
A year later Kim and I trekked on bikes (I mostly waited for her near the car) beginning at the source of the Potomac River. Meandering across West Virginia, down the C&O canal thru DC, the week-long adventure ended at Lookout Point with overcast skies of Hurricane Denis.
Shortly thereafter Hurricane Floyd scraped by DC. I remember frantic phone calls all thru the storm that she was hearing a kitten cry and that she was unable to reach him as he hid up in the engine block of an old car in front of her house. Well a can of cat food later and voilà…Floyd the Cat.
Over the years her energy, enthusiasm and empathy continued to inspire me and give me strength and courage. We remained in contact regardless of where my travels and travails took me. Several years back when I was in living in Bonaire I received a concerned call from Kim to ensure that I had survived yet another tropical hurricane during my self-imposed exile in paradise.
She shared a love of books, wine, food and adventure. Passion and audacity characterized nearly every endeavor she tackled; whether it was learning piano at 40, planning a garden or a reading a book that she just had to finish even if it was lousy.
But throughout it all, it was her optimism, energy and Joie de vivre that best characterized her. Perhaps one of her favorite songs said it best, “You were there in the turnstiles, With the wind at your heels, You stretched for the stars, And you know how it feels, To reach too high, Too far, Too soon, You saw the whole of the moon”

Bonnie Friedman

October 20, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Kim's tragic passing. Kim was the landscaper at my condo building in NW DC. I truly enjoyed working with her. She was a true professional, had an obvious love for her work, and was just a nice woman. My condolences to her family.

Diane Richards-Olson

October 20, 2009

Dear Brenegar, Stroedel and Ardizzone families,
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers since I learned of Kim's tragic accident. She was one of my dearest friends from high school, one of the few that I made sure to stay in touch with. All of us that gathered in my dad's back yard two summers ago feel blessed to have shared laughs and memories with Kim. We have all lost a very special person. May your memories and love for each other sustain you during this difficult time. My prayers are especially with Allison and Julian and Joe as they face the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,

October 20, 2009

I cannot put into words how my heart bleeds for you all.
I had the pleasure of spending time with my beloved Allison this summer and just love her to pieces. Julian is the sweetest 15 year old boy in the world. His smile lights up a room. Kim's sprit lives on through them both. Her legacy is one of love, integrity and compassion and her children live that everyday.
May she rest in peace and may you be comforted by the love you have for each other.

Julie (Strodel) Scuderi

Joyce & Tom Tompkins

October 20, 2009

To the Brenegar Family and Joe Ardizzone - Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I know there are no words that can ease your pain and sorrow during this time of trajedy, but I do pray you find peace and comfort, and cherish your memories of Kim. Our condolences, Joyce & Tom

Austin and Agnes Conaty

October 20, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Anne Wall

October 19, 2009

Dear Jeanne,Stewart,Julie, and family,
From the moment that I heard of Kim's tragic accident, all of you have been in my thoughts constantly. There is no way I can comprehend your recent loss, and I know it has left you searching for answers that might be difficult to ever find. Please know that in your darkest hour, your pain touches all of us and we mourn your loss as if it were our own.
I think of all the wonderful times that we all had and your family meant so much to me. I have always kept Kim and your family in my heart and I just want to send you my deepest condolences.
May the time be hurried so all your memories will be the good ones.
With heartfelt thoughts,
Anne "Johnson" Wall

October 19, 2009

I remember Kim from elementary, middle and high school, and the memory I have of her was that even then, Kim was a centered person. Her truth always came through, and although it has been a long time since we connected, she will always hold a fond place in my heart.

With deepest sympathy and love to all those most closely connected to her,
Amy Mazur

Robert Seaford

October 19, 2009

Just a note to let the family know NGNN is very saddened to hear of your loss.

Charles Hanna

October 19, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

October 18, 2009

My condolences go out to Kim's family, particularly Allison.
I am honored to have know Kim as Allison's pre-k and k teacher. I experienced her involvement and support in not only Allison but all the other children as well. She was a great support in the beginnings of SWS at Peabody. We have two strong, beautiful holly trees in the school garden that she planted which will be a wonderful memorial to her.
Louise Chapman

Carolyn Gotshall

October 18, 2009

Carolyn (Stine)and Rusell Gotshall,,,

Tim McCall

October 18, 2009

I am not alone in feeling the world is a much emptier place without Kim. She has left behind two angel children, Allison and Julian. Our prayers are with them.

Carol Anne Woolard (Davis)

October 18, 2009

To the Brenegar family, I was so sorry to read about Kim's departure. I remember all the wonderful times we shared growing up at Hilton School. Being with Kim and your family are memories that I often think of fondly and will cherish always. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Carol Anne Woolard (Davis)

October 18, 2009

Our hearts go out to my cousin Jeanne and family and especially Allison in this time of great sorrow. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love and deep sympathy, Hettie Sue and Carl Mason

Stephen & Smitty

October 18, 2009

To a kind and loving person...we will miss you..but your memory will stay with us forever. Stephen and Smitty

Joanne Vaughn

October 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

A cousin from Pennsylvania

Patrick Strodel

October 18, 2009

I am blessed to have known Kim as my brother Dan's wife and loving mother of her children. There are no words to adequately describe this loss, but fortunately she left the world with her two beautiful kids. I see her smile every time I look into their faces.

The entire Strodel family loved Kim and while we mourn our own sense of loss, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Brenegar family.

I lived with Dan and Kim for a year when they were in Old Town, VA. Kim helped me find employment with a construction company. That was a long time ago but I rely on the the skills that I learned at that time everyday at my current job. I am truly grateful for that. I loved her no nonsense, no bs approach at everything she did.

I know that it will be especially difficult for Allison and Julian, but their mom taught them well. I am certain that they will continue to flourish and keep her dreams alive.

Peace and love.

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