Brenda Mary MacGhee

Brenda Mary MacGhee obituary, Wheeling, WV

Brenda Mary MacGhee

Brenda MacGhee Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kepner Funeral Home - Elm Grove on Mar. 30, 2026.
Brenda Mary MacGhee

January 31, 1960 – March 28, 2026

Brenda Mary MacGhee, of Wheeling, West Virginia, formerly of Moorestown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

She was born in Framingham, Massachusetts to the late Bernard Dawes and Maureen Cahill Dawes.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her niece, Emma Kate Smith.

She is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Robert Urwin) MacGhee and Molly (Anthony) Sovich; her beloved granddaughters, Stella Marie and Spencer Jade; her devoted brother, Larry (Leslie) Dawes; her cherished sisters, Beth Dawes, Barbara (Tom) Dawes-Lau, Beverly (Gary) Davis, and Bernadette (Walter) Smith; and nieces and nephews, Lauren (Andrew) Ott, Jeffrey Dawes, Dawson Lau, Owen Jones, Rory Jones, and Tyler Smith.

Brenda received an associate's degree from Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later received her bachelor's degree from Centenary College in New Jersey, where she built her life and formed many cherished, lifelong friendships.

She was a dedicated and hardworking professional, serving as the office manager at First Financial Capital Group, where she was known for her strong sense of structure, organization, and integrity. With a natural talent for systems and standards, she valued order, accountability, and doing things the right way. She had a particular appreciation for a well-built Excel spreadsheet and enjoyed the finer things in life.

She was proud to be known as "Gigi." Her granddaughters, Stella Marie-who shared her January 31 birthday-and Spencer Jade were her pride and joy. What was never in question was the depth of her love. She loved her girls to the moon and back.

Brenda was known for her honesty and authenticity. She was unapologetically herself, the truest definition of a realist, often saying, "It is what it is." She didn't filter much and was known for her colorful language and expressive reactions, especially when a camera was involved-something her daughters will always smile about.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St. (304-242-2311).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Liza's Place, 308 Mount Saint Joseph Road, Wheeling, WV 26003.

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

How to support Brenda's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Brenda MacGhee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Brenda MacGhee's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?