Brenda Hanak

Brenda May Hanak, a cherished matriarch and devoted gardener, passed away on November 18, 2024, at her home in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born in 1948 in Midland, Michigan, Brenda grew up on her family's horse farm, where she developed a lifelong passion for nurturing living things. Her early years as a spirited 4-H member were spent in the show ring with her beloved horses.
At 19, Brenda met Donald Hanak, an Army veteran, through a cousin's matchmaking. Their love story blossomed into a family with six daughters: Beth, Kristen, Holly, Mindy, Evelyn, and Sue. Brenda and Don were natural entrepreneurs, turning their passions into successful ventures, including a plant nursery. After moving to Florida in the 1980s, they became Master Gardeners and established D&B Nursery in the early 2000s. Brenda was known for her warm smile and gardening expertise, often seen zipping through the nursery on her scooter.
Brenda's greatest joy was her family, which includes 12 grandchildren: Antigone, Chloe, Scott, Brianna, Tyler, Liam, Evangeline, Kaden, Burke, Jade, Jacob, and Remy, and seven great-grandchildren: Emery, Riley, Avery, Erik, Aiden, Jordan, and Oliver. Her brother, Gordon Swinson, remains in Michigan, while her parents, Melvin and Maxine Schneider Swinson, await her in the heavenly garden.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Brenda's butterfly garden on Saturday, December 14, 2024. For details, please contact the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends for Extension, supporting the master gardener community in Charlotte County.
May Brenda's garden forever bloom, and her memory continue to grow in the hearts of all who knew her.