Brenda K. Mehlbaum

Brenda Kay (Cantwell) Mehlbaum, 74, of Rockford, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Brenda was born in Rockford on November 26, 1951, the daughter of Elmo and Melsant (Robins) Cantwell. She was proud to be a lifetime resident of Rockford, Illinois. Brenda married John R. Mehlbaum on September 30, 1978. John passed away on January 31, 2020.

Brenda was very talented and successful in her longtime career in sales, having worked for Custom Gear & Machine for many years. She had a true passion for getting to know new people and traveling all over to visit new places as she built up a rather large base of clients throughout the years.

Brenda enjoyed playing golf, hosting and entertaining family and friends on the family’s beautiful property. Most of all, she loved tending to her beautiful garden and maintaining her flower beds at home. Brenda was a true go-getter in life as she was never idle and always stayed busy with her career, enjoying life, her family and friends. She also loved taking care of her grand dog, Olive, who was her “bestest buddy in the whole wide world.” Later in life, Brenda enjoyed cooking and baking for her friends and neighbors.

Surviving relatives include her daughter, Andrea Mehlbaum; brothers, Ray (Sally) Cantwell and Danny (Deidra) Cantwell; many nieces and nephews and extended family and wonderful friends. Brenda is predeceased by her parents, Elmo and Melsant Cantwell; husband, John Mehlbaum; son, David who passed away at birth; sisters, Pamela (Lloyd) Myatt and Patricia (Gaylen) Bastian; nephews, Jeffrey Bastian and Michael Cantwell.

A Celebration of Brenda’s Life is being planned and will be announced at a future date.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeradlfh.com