Brenda Jean Powell Sander, 79, of Elk Rapids and formerly of East Lansing, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Munson Hospice House.

Brenda was born on October 9, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late John and Nessie (Evens) Powell. After graduating from high school, she began her career in banking, where she dedicated over 30 years of service. Through hard work and earning an associate degree at Lansing Community College, she advanced to branch manager and assistant vice president before retiring in 1999.

She is survived by her sister Sandra Hooper-Woods and children: Fawn Dunbar, Terry (Ursula) Foster, and Tawny DeLaCruz; her stepson Stephen Sander Jr., grandchildren, Samuel, Samantha, Calina, Ciara, Chase, Kaitlyn, Joseph, Jadyn, Staci, and numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen, with whom she will be laid to rest at Milton Township Cemetery; her step-daughter Constance and step-son James Sander.

While working in banking, Brenda met the love of her life, Stephen Lawrence Sander. They were married on November 7, 1986, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing. Brenda embraced the Catholic faith so she and Stephen could marry in the church, and her faith remained an important part of her life.

In 1990, Brenda and Stephen moved full-time to their dream home on Elk Lake, which they built together, both literally and figuratively, and cherished deeply. In Elk Rapids, she and Stephen became members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where they valued the fellowship of the parish community.

Her childhood was formative as she grew up in a less refined area of East Lansing, MI in a two-bedroom house with no running water and five siblings. She talked about catching a neighbors' horses and riding them bareback, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables off the vine in the summer. She also enjoyed summers at Bear Lake in Manistee on her grandparents' farm.

She exemplified a strong work ethic and raised her children to do the same. She demanded to be treated equally before women's equality was a thing. She had a strong sense of faith even as a child. Her favorite holiday was Christmas which she made magical for her family. She enjoyed the casino, ceramics, reading, watching gameshows and competition themed shows on TV. Brenda enjoyed traveling in her younger years, first with family car trips across the country every summer, then with her husband and best friend, Steve, and later her sister.

The family would like to thank the staff at Munson Hospice house for their kindness, caring and dedication to making their mom's final months peaceful by showing her extraordinary love and care. She loved spending time on the deck of her room and watching the birds and deer come to visit.

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids on Monday, November 24th, at 12:15 pm, with a visitation starting at 11am and a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, MI. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .