Beverly Jean (Harner) Brendel

Beverly J (Jean) Brendel, 91, of Fort Wayne passed from her earthly life to her heavenly home on January 20, 2026.

Jean was born to Chester and Mabel (Clark) Harner on September 28,1934 in Garrett, IN,

She graduated from Garrett High School, and worked at Wiley, Dana, and DeKalb Central Schools while raising her three girls Carol, Kay, and Becky.

Jean was a homemaker and was involved in many activities for herself and her girls:

Norris Chapel UMC, Home Extension, and 4-H.

She later moved to Fort Wayne and worked at SuperValu/FMC. She attended Huntertown UMC where she volunteered, especially enjoying Martha’s Closet Clothing Ministry.

She held many interests, but especially loved nature, gardening, flowers, and animals.

An avid puzzler and Scrabble aficionado, she was a lifelong learner by reading of many interests. She kept a reading journal of every book she read listed by author, and was the “volunteer librarian” at Park Place Senior Living, where she resided for the last seven years.

Of all of her accomplishments, she considered family her biggest and best. Up to the very end, she held our hands and our hearts by continually asking, “are you warm enough?” and “what can I do for you?”

Surviving are her three daughters, Carol Foley, Kay Donaldson, and Becky Hull

Six grandchildren: Alex (Ashley) Donaldson, Abby (Jason) Cable, Chelsea (Justin) Rentschler, Caitlin (Nate) Hicks, Hannah Foley, and JT (Meghan York) Foley. Nine great grandchildren: Baylie, Ava, Gage, Cooper, Adelynn, Evan, Greyson, Cade, and Henry. Niece Karen (Bill) Rumpf, and nephew Allen (Dawn) Steward.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her sister MaryBelle Steward-Marks, her brother Tom Harner, and son-in-law Randy Hull.

Arrangements will be made at a later date. Memorials may be given in Jean’s name to the following organizations: Loyal K9 Rescue, c/o Megann Herendeen, 3120 CR 36, Auburn, IN 46706 or Heartland Hospice, 2720 Dupont Commerce Court #210, Fort Wayne, IN 46845. To send condolences to the family visit www.fellerandclark.com.

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