Brenda Joyce Sargent

Brenda Joyce Sargent, age 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Mayo Clinic in Lake City, MN, surrounded by her three daughters after a courageous year-long battle with Leukemia.

Brenda was born on February 18, 1954, in Minneapolis, MN, to Robert and Doris (Cooper) Sargent. She spent her childhood in Minneapolis, MN, Rockford, IL, and Pipestone, MN. She attended college at Northern Illinois University and later earned her bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Minnesota State University - Mankato. Brenda worked as a computer programmer at Mayo Clinic and other consulting firms, and later worked as a paraprofessional at Pine Island Elementary. Brenda married Daniel J. Dries in 1978 in Kona, HI and they raised their family in Pine Island, MN.

Brenda was an expert at sewing and quilting, creating intricate works of art that she enjoyed gifting to those she loved. She also enjoyed watching movies, listening to classic rock and blues music, cooking, and gardening. She found joy in spending time with her seven grandchildren, and she always looked forward to conversations with her siblings.

Brenda is survived by her three daughters, Brandi (Chad) Virgin of Excelsior, MN; Samantha (Chris) Maier of Holmen, WI; and Kelly (Rob) Wilson of Wabasha, MN and former husband, Dan Dries. She was the proud grandmother of Ellyn, Sophie, and Brynn Virgin; Wyatt and Thea Maier; and Ben and Mercy Wilson. Brenda is also survived by her siblings, Barbara Sargent of St. Peters, MO; Robert “Bob” (Tina) Sargent of St. Peters, MO; Beverly (Russ) Curtis of Racine, IL; and Bryan (Shani) Sargent of Boise, ID. She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Sargent; brother, Bradley Sargent; and her parents, Robert and Doris Sargent.

Brenda will be deeply missed by her family and friends, whose lives were made brighter by her adventurous spirit, creativity, and infectious laughter. A celebration of her life will be held in Spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to help cover cremation expenses and support the HealthWell Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to those in need.

https://gofund.me/7fc316cd