Virginia Beach - brenda Unser, age 68, loving mother of three, grandmother; and adoring wife to husband Eric Unser, passed away peacefully in her home on April 9th, 2024 after a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. brenda was born in Norfolk, Va, surrounded by a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She had three brothers - David, Tommy, and Damon. brenda, being influenced by her mother, Barbara Petrehn , always gave her time unselfishly to others, and she incorporated that into motherhood. She courageously opted to give birth to all of her babies at home, as well as breast feeding them and making their clothes, blankets, stuffed toys, and quilts. This led to her starting a successful and rewarding crafts business. In high school brenda was extremely gifted in writing poetry and plays, so much so that one of her plays was selected to be shown a the Norfolk Theatre, and even was televised on local TV. In her spare time she read stories to children at the Norfolk Library. A member of the Honor Society, her straight A’s earned her a full scholarship to Virginia Tech in 1973 where she met her future husband, Eric, in April 1975. They shared a love of art, music, film, dogs, horses, travel. brenda joined the scuba club, and introduced Eric to the sport. The couple married in 1978 in her grandmother's back yard with a simple do it yourself wedding, brenda even making her own wedding dress and veil. The two of them subsequently moved to Colorado Springs for a year in search of adventure, then returned back to Norfolk to start a family of their own. As all of the neighborhood children can attest to, there was always something fun going on at the Unser house. brenda was always outside playing with the children, dogs and cats. Her children fondly remember camping trips, mini bikes, trampolines, musical instruments, etc. While raising her children, brenda worked for Christmas Around the World, and being a top saleswoman, she earned many exotic trips all over the globe with Eric by her side. brenda recently became a grandmother and was absolutely thrilled to hear of a granddaughter, Brienne, on the way.

brenda will be greatly missed by her family, especially her mother Barbara, husband and caregiver Eric, her 3 children Ariel, Travis, Joshua, and grand son Paxton, who adore her with all of their hearts. We are sorry that you had to leave us for a little while, but we are happy that you can finally dance, run, and swim again, and are watching over us. Farewell to a beautiful woman and wonderful mother. brenda is survived by her mother Barbara Petrehn, husband Eric, their children Joshua and his wife Danielle, Travis and his wife Rebecca, and Ariel Unser, and grandson Paxton.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for those who wish to say their last goodbye to brenda on Friday, April 26 at 11:00 at London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Rd., Virginia Beach. Reception following the service. If you would like to wear something purple, brenda's favorite color, she would love that.

Simply Cremation is assisting her family. Read Please share memories & leave condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com.