Brenda Jeanne Wiler

Brenda Jeanne Wiler, 55, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2025. She was born on June 22, 1969, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Clarence Leroy Wiler and Doris Marilyn Morgan.

Brenda is survived by her sister, Sandra Cox; her children, James Haun, Rachel (Jake) Neumann, Brian (Jen) Hodge, and Derek (Rosa) Hodge; and her beloved grandchildren Joseph, Spencer, Waylon, Chase, Luke, Rebecca, Abigail, Tray, Maelee, Abel, Celeste, and Brisa. She also leaves behind her devoted life partner, Chris Leonhardt, who lovingly describes her as his rock.

Brenda built a legacy defined by strength, intelligence, and grace. She dedicated 36 years to Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), where she worked her way up through nearly every department before becoming Paint Shop Manager. Her deep understanding of operations, leadership, and people made her one of the most respected figures within the company. She wasn't just managing a department-she was mentoring an entire generation of employees.

As one of the very few women in management globally within Subaru, Brenda shattered barriers in an industry and culture traditionally dominated by men. Her influence stretched far beyond Indiana; during her work in Japan, the company even built a women's restroom in their executive offices specifically for her-an unforgettable symbol of her groundbreaking presence and the respect she earned across borders.

Brenda led with wisdom and heart. She demanded excellence but always gave the guidance, patience, and support needed to achieve it. Her employees admired her as both a powerhouse and a protector-someone who inspired loyalty through fairness, courage, and integrity. She coached others the way she coached her children: with firm expectations, quiet authority, and deep compassion. Those who worked for her often said she had the rare ability to make people better-both professionally and personally.

To her children, she was the constant voice of reason and the ultimate problem solver-the one they all turned to for advice, comfort, or a reality check. Her strength and courage shaped them into who they are today. They recall countless times when boxes-or even furniture-would appear at their doors, sent by Mom "just because she thought they needed it." She gave freely, with no expectation of return.

In her quiet moments, Brenda found peace in watching the squirrels and hummingbirds outside her window. She was famous for her chicken and noodles, and later in life, became quite the baker-often competing with Chris in lighthearted baking duels.

She was already a one-time cancer survivor, facing each of these battles with resilience and grace. Even as she faced her second battle, she never lost her humor, spirit, or determination-living fully and taking a long-dreamed-of trip to Italy, where she soaked in every moment of beauty and joy.

Her kids often say she had a way of making you feel two inches tall without ever raising her voice-they always knew when Mom didn't agree. But they also knew she loved them fiercely, and that every lesson, look, and word of advice came from her deep desire to see them thrive.

They will miss her wisdom, her courage, her nurturing leadership, and her kind, giving heart. They say if they can even be a little like her, they'll be winning.

A private celebration of Brenda's remarkable life will be held at a later date.