Brenda Joy Kupris Cary

Brenda Joy Kupris Cary, 48, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her beautiful children on February 21, 2019, at Trillium Woods of Faith Hospice. She was born on July 30, 1970 to Constance and Robert Kupris and was the youngest of nine siblings. She is survived by her four loving children; Eamon (23), Isabel (21), Julia (19), and Wyatt Cary (17), her mother Connie, her siblings and their spouses; Gary and Pat, Greg and Linda, Cindy and Bob Irwin, Steve and Carol, Brian and Muriel, Sandy and Dan Reatini, Dale and Olivia, and Ken.

It was within Brenda’s work that she made such a positive impression on everyone she met and created lifelong friendships. She worked in Human Resources for Grand Rapids Public Schools from 1994-2011 and continued her career into Grand Rapids Community College from 2011-2018.

Brenda loved her children more than anything. She instilled her adoration for Earth’s nature and its creatures in them by taking them to almost every zoo in Michigan and surrounding states. Growing up, they were never without a loving cat or dog in their family, and she was so eco-friendly that it was forbidden to throw any plastic into the trash. When it became the time of the year where the sun woke up all of the plants and warmed the sand and water, she loved to trek out to any of the many beaches on Lake Michigan and sunbathe with her friends and family. It’s safe to say that she was the biggest music lover in the family; spoiling herself and her children by attending her favorite artists’ concerts; Howard Jones, Santana, B-52’s, The Police, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, Queen, and Fleetwood Mac.

The world’s biggest Lions fan - proudly wearing number 81 on her back well after Calvin Johnson left the team. Every single game day you would find her glued to the tv, fixated on the game and cheering passionately at the players. Even holiday meals were scheduled around her favorite team.

Brenda was such a cheerful and bright light in this world and her name perfectly reflects her aura, she was a ray of sunshine. She cherished the time she was given enjoying all things that brought her and her loved ones happiness. She never ceased to exude such courage and bravery in the face of tribulation. Her optimism in the presence of hardship left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her; her confidence, strength, and sense of pride taught her children all they need to know to carry her legacy into the future. Brenda taught so many others that sending out love and kindness is the purest type of exchange to offer others. Brenda Joy, thank you for all of the joy you have shared with this world. We will love you forever.

Join us in honoring her light at a Celebration of Life on March 10th, 2019 from 2-5pm at The Elks Lodge, 2715 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

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