Brenda Larner Cantlon Michaelis

Brenda Larner Cantlon Michaelis, 84, of Ontario, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, following a short illness.
Brenda was born to Edgar William Cantlon and Barbara Helen Finch Cantlon on February 7, 1941, in Cleveland. Later, the family moved to Newark, where she spent the majority of her childhood. As a young girl, Brenda developed a fierce love of reading and writing that she carried throughout her life.
Known for her fiercely independent yet gentle disposition, Brenda raised two daughters, Amy and Susan, as a single mother. Her strength and determination propelled her forward, enabling her to finish her bachelor's degree in education in her mid-forties to support herself and her children. Brenda taught 6th grade for the Shelby City School District for over 20 years. She loved to help children develop a love of reading, attention to detail, and a work ethic for their futures.
To her grandchildren, Grandma Brenda was vibrant, joyful, and always available for a quick chat and a good laugh. She believed that her job as a grandparent was to make things as fun as possible, while still providing solid structure. She threw herself into every school project, helping all five of her grandchildren perfect their creations for their classmates. She pushed each of them to excel in their work and in their time management. Grandma Brenda always wanted to make sure every bow was tied correctly, every glue dot hidden, and every project label positioned perfectly so they could do well. Always armed with her Mary Kay lipstick, Grandma Brenda seemed never to say no to an extra piece of candy, a quick trip for ice cream, or one more hug before leaving. She poured into her grandchildren in so many special ways.
In her later years, the family could not pry Brenda away from her books. She devoured them faster than we could keep up with her, and she loved telling us about each story.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Amy (Joseph) Jerger and Susan (Michael) DeLaney, as well as her grandchildren, Audra (Bridget) DeLaney-Hall, Molly DeLaney, James Jerger, Liam DeLaney, and Jonathan Jerger.
The family would like to thank those at Freedom Caregivers and Kingston of Ashland for their support and care towards Brenda.
There will be a family-only graveside service in Wilson Cemetery in Newark. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Mary's Catholic School, 1630 Ashland Rd. Mansfield, Ohio 44905, or Gentiva Hospice by giving to Gentiva Foundation, 3350 Riverwood Parkway SE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30331. Or, take the kiddos in your life out for a fun adventure (including a sweet treat) and end the day reading a book together. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda, please visit our floral store.