Brenda Mary MacGhee
January 31, 1960 – March 28, 2026
Brenda Mary MacGhee, of Wheeling, West Virginia, formerly of Moorestown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
She was born in Framingham, Massachusetts to the late Bernard Dawes and Maureen Cahill Dawes.
In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her niece, Emma Kate Smith.
She is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Robert Urwin) MacGhee and Molly (Anthony) Sovich; her beloved granddaughters, Stella Marie and Spencer Jade; her devoted brother, Larry (Leslie) Dawes; her cherished sisters, Beth Dawes, Barbara (Tom) Dawes-Lau, Beverly (Gary) Davis, and Bernadette (Walter) Smith; and nieces and nephews, Lauren (Andrew) Ott, Jeffrey Dawes, Dawson Lau, Owen Jones, Rory Jones, and Tyler Smith.
Brenda received an associate’s degree from Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later received her bachelor’s degree from Centenary College in New Jersey, where she built her life and formed many cherished, lifelong friendships.
She was a dedicated and hardworking professional, serving as the office manager at First Financial Capital Group, where she was known for her strong sense of structure, organization, and integrity. With a natural talent for systems and standards, she valued order, accountability, and doing things the right way. She had a particular appreciation for a well-built Excel spreadsheet and enjoyed the finer things in life.
She was proud to be known as “Gigi.” Her granddaughters, Stella Marie—who shared her January 31 birthday—and Spencer Jade were her pride and joy. What was never in question was the depth of her love. She loved her girls to the moon and back.
Brenda was known for her honesty and authenticity. She was unapologetically herself, the truest definition of a realist, often saying, “It is what it is.” She didn’t filter much and was known for her colorful language and expressive reactions, especially when a camera was involved—something her daughters will always smile about.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St. (304-242-2311).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Liza’s Place, 308 Mount Saint Joseph Road, Wheeling, WV 26003.
