Brenda Lee (Romano) Stavrenos passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 surrounded by her family after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. She was 68 years young. Visitation will be held on Saturday March 21, 2026 from 1:00PM to 4:30PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ, followed by a Funeral Service at 4:30PM.
Brenda was born April 14, 1957 to Mario and Carol (Lieb) Romano, the first of their six children. She was raised in Lakewood, OH and attended St. Cyril & Methodius Church and School, where she was a cheerleader. As a child, she was the quintessential big sister, displaying responsibility and making sure her younger siblings never got away with anything. She enjoyed camping with her family, ice skating at the park, and sledding down the hill on Clarence Ave. While attending Lakewood High School she met and fell in love with local heartthrob and bad boy, Steven Stavrenos. They were married six years later on May 5, 1978, sharing a wedding anniversary with both Brenda and Steve’s parents. The two moved to the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland, and Brenda worked with Steve at her father-in-law’s trade show company, ABC Decorating. They welcomed their first three children, Stephanie, Jason and Sarah, before relocating to Rockaway, NJ, where they welcomed babies four and five, James and Allie.
Brenda’s full-time job became caring for her children. While she took time for herself bowling Monday mornings at Rockaway Lanes, her days were filled with activities for her kids: sports games, Boy Scout meetings, swimming at Mt. Hope Pond, trips to the Rockaway Township library, school plays, and birthday parties. She was always involved in events at St. Cecilia’s School where her children were enrolled, from lunch duty to class mom to theater seamstress. In her spare time, she enjoyed cross-stitching and building Charles Wysocki puzzles, and she was an avid reader of suspense and horror. She was also famous for her Christmas Eve open house spread, and no one from the family’s annual event ever left without a package of homemade fudge. Over the years, Brenda and Steve often enjoyed taking the kids camping, and their favorite destination was Assateague Island, MD. They also frequently returned home to Cleveland to spend time with family and friends.
As her children got older, Brenda served on the Morris County Republican Committee and rejoined the work force as production manager for Roeland Home Improvers, and later for K&B Home Remodelers. K&B became like family to her, and she thrived in the busy environment, enjoying interactions with customers and vendors alike. Off the clock she preferred the solace of home with Steve, where they loved to watch TV shows and share meals. Through all their years together, they also shared a deep devotion to Cleveland sports. They spent countless Sundays barking in brown and orange with the North Jersey Browns Backers, and every summer cheering on the Guardians.
By far, the thing Brenda loved doing most was spending time with her grandchildren. As “Grandma,” Brenda was always willing to help change diapers and hold babies, and no one could build a gingerbread house better. She and Steve, better known as “Pappou,” simply light up at the mention of their grandkids, and never miss an opportunity to brag about them.
Brenda was kind to everyone she met and served her family’s needs without ever asking for anything in return. Her joy was infectious and lives in each of us who knew her. We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited in heaven with her parents, Mario and Carol Romano, and her grandson Matthew Jr., as well as other beloved family and friends.
Brenda’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her adored family: her beloved husband of 48 years, Steven Peter Stavrenos; her treasured children, Stephanie Dumais and her husband Matthew of Palos Hills, IL, Jason Stavrenos and his wife Kasey of Rockaway, NJ, Sarah Steen and her husband Will of Mountain Home, AR, James Stavrenos and his partner Jess Jung of Hopatcong, NJ, and Alexandra Stavrenos and her partner Rob Higgins of Chatham, NJ; her cherished grandchildren, Jake, Ava, Caolila, Quinn, and Ruth; her caring siblings, Michelle Senko and her husband Ed, Cheryl Lundy and her husband Mark, Kathleen Parker and her husband Brian, David Romano and his wife Joan, and Michael Romano and his wife Shannon; as well as her dear aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to the unforgettable memories held by her family, we invite those who knew Brenda to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Brenda touched the lives of many, and we believe her legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know her; let her light shine bright for eternity. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Foundation Department 4586, Carol Stream, IL 60122-4586, or by clicking here.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 1 - 4 pm at North Olmsted Assembly of God Church Hall, 3874 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070. All are welcome to attend, and we ask that you dress casually.