Dr. Brenda Ann McKinney, 70, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 11 AM until the time of service. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Galena. The family invites all those who knew and loved Brenda to join them in celebrating her life. She was born December 13, 1953, in Taylorville, IL, the daughter of Willis “Mac” and Ann (Kennedy) McKinney. Brenda led a remarkable life filled with accomplishments and cherished memories. She attended elementary school in Mount Auburn, later High School in both Galena and Stockton, and continued her education at Highland Community College, Northern Illinois University, and Aurora University. Brenda dedicated 34 years of her career to education. Teaching English and literature, coaching volleyball, and directing school and community plays at the Junior High and High School in Stockton. Her passion for teaching led her to pursue a Doctorate in Education. She later shared her knowledge and expertise at the University of Dubuque. After retiring, Brenda found fulfillment as the Activity Director at Bell Tower Senior Home in East Dubuque. She treasured spending time with her family, and friends, as well as fulfilling her wanderlust by exploring various “bucket list” vacation spots and traveling. Brenda enjoyed going to garage sales and finding “treasures.” Her warm and caring nature made her a beloved friend to many, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, and vibrant spirit. Brenda never met a stranger. She enjoyed attending both the Methodist and Catholic churches. Her faith provided her with strength and comfort during challenging times. Brenda Ann McKinney’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She is survived by her siblings, Brice (Cheryl), Bruce, Brad (Connie), and Bridget (Vito), and her honorary family, Nancy Miller, Myra, Lance, Kent, and Naomi Hasselblad, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of close and wonderful friends. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, nephew, Matt McKinney, and her sister-in-law, Brenda Joyce McKinney, along with many dear friends. A special thank you to all the caregivers for their loving and compassionate care of Brenda, and to those who were able to visit Brenda these past 4 months. Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Dubuque in her memory. We will never forget her great smile, infectious laugh, hugs, wonderful stories, zest for life, and love for Jesus. Brenda always felt blessed and was thankful for her family, friends, and church. We are all better people because of Brenda. May we always remember Brenda’s spirit and never forget to give that extra TIGHT hug, followed by a hearty laugh.
Dr. Brenda McKinney
Miss McKinney was one of the few teachers in my life that truly left a mark. She was kind and patient in a way that was truly unique. The kindness and encouragement she showed me was unmatched from other teachers at Stockton High School. I will forever be thankful for her kind words during a very difficult time in my life. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.
I had the pleasure of teaching with Brenda for 5 years in Stockton back in the late 1990’s-early 2000’s. She was the elder stateswoman of a young JH staff. Most of us combined didn’t have as much experience as her! She was always firm but friendly. Willing to help anybody with anything! I’m sure she helped a lot of young teachers during her career. I look back on that time very fondly.
I ran into Brenda a couple times in the last 5 years when she was working in East Dubuque. I’m the band director there and with covid, we were never able to schedule an in person concert but at least were able to broadcast remotely to the Bell Tower residents! She was always so positive…even when they couldn’t get their livestream to work! She commented on the phone that day that my hs band was probably behaving better than the Bell Tower residents who had been staring at a blank tv screen, waiting for the concert to begin!
I was shocked and saddened to learn of her passing. Too young and gone too soon. Rest in peace Brenda!
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family. Ms. McKinney was a great teacher. I graduated from SHS in ’91, along with English and volleyball, I spent some time with her and our mutual friend Angie. Brenda will be missed by many.
Brenda, You are the best sister💕 You have given me so many wonderful memories . You always made people feel happy. Your personality allowed others to be themselves and feel appreciated.
You always made me feel special, and as if I could do no wrong, which we both know isn’t true! 😉
We are blessed that you have touched all of our lives in a positive way. I love you so much Brenda ❤️
Our deepest condolences. She was a remarkable person. We really enjoyed her company.
Love always
Lama, Aref, Muhammad,Haadi and Yazan Khatib
LOVE & PRAYER FOR HER PRECIOUS FAMILY. BRENDA WAS A BEAUTIFUL FRIEND TO MANY And , COUSIN
My heart is broken at Brenda’s loss. We talked several times in September at the class of ‘71 reunion. It was so great to see her and get a hug! RIP, sweet Brenda!
Sending love and prayers to her family (and Nancy)!
This hits hard. What an immense loss. We forever love, and cherish her, until we see her on the other side of Heaven. ❤️ I love you all!
I never knew you but my girlfriend Lisa Marie adored you! I feel like I know you just by the way she spoke of you. I hope you’re comfortable where you’re at loving with your heart wide open. ❤️ I know at least one person who misses you a ton!
My deepest sympathy to the entire family and dear friends. Brenda always had a smile on her face and love in her heart for everyone. I will deeply miss her ♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻😇
Very sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing. She was a lovely person. My condolences to Brenda’s family.
I’ll always remember teaching with Brenda at Stockton High School. She worked well with my Special Education students. Rest in Peace, Brenda.
I am sending my condolences to the family of Brenda. She made many contributions to the field of education. She was a great role model for others to follow in this field. We all can learn much from her life.
Brenda was a dear, dear sister. Three years my senior, she helped raise me – for better or worse ; )
She would always put my needs before her own. My Jr year of college I would be two weeks late in starting the semester due to my summer job. Brenda stepped in. She headed to SIU, lived in a women’s shelter, and sat in on all my classes taking notes for me. What a life saver. That was Brenda.
A few days before her catastrophic stroke Connie and I were able to walk the streets of Galena with Brenda where the two of us grew up. We shared so many memories. I will always cherish this moment. Rest in sweet peace dear Sister.
To the family of Brenda and to Nancy Miller. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow 🙏🙏
Pete and I are so sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing. We are even more sorry that we are unable to attend today’s services and give our condolences in person. Our sympathies to the families. Brenda touched many lives, especially here in Stockton, and our family was definitely entwined in many different ways…colleague, friend, neighbor, our children’s teacher, and the list goes on.
May she rest in peace.
So very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. She was a friend in high school and never failed to make me laugh.
My sympathies to you all.