Brenda Charlene Saenz

Brenda Charlene Saenz passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by her loved ones.

Brenda was born on April 17, 1952, in Woodland, California, to Lloyd and Mary Dodd. She was the second-youngest of seven children and is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Bill, Gloria, and Pat, and survived by her siblings David, Wanda, and Marilyn.

From an early age, Brenda embraced life with energy and determination. She was athletic and enjoyed running track, playing volleyball and softball, and listening to her favorite country and western music. She was a devoted baseball fan throughout her life and proudly cheered for the California Angels, now known as the Los Angeles Angels. Fierce and spirited, much like her favorite color red, Brenda enjoyed steak and seafood and loved watching Steel Magnolias as well as films starring Julia Roberts and Robert Redford.

Brenda welcomed her first son, Victor Jr., in 1980, followed by twins, Jodie and Kenneth, in 1984. Life was never dull with a young son and a pair of spirited twins who brought home snakes and even jumped on the beds with chickens. Despite the constant excitement, Brenda met every challenge with strength, humor, and determination.

She was a dedicated stay-at-home mother, a Little League coach, a helping hand to anyone in need, and an occasional partner in Victor’s auto body and paint shop. When Victor Sr. later became ill with dementia, Brenda worked tirelessly to keep the family going, often holding two or three jobs at a time while continuing to care for those around her. She was a woman of many talents who wore many hats throughout her life, but none more important than those of wife and mother. Brenda and Victor shared 23 years together before his passing in 2009.

In 2015, Brenda found love again and married Kevin McBride. Together they shared companionship, laughter, and many cherished memories during the later years of her life.

Those who knew Brenda often described her as one of the most selfless people they had ever met. She would give her last dime, the shirt off her back, or a place to rest your head if you had fallen on hard times. To many, she was the very definition of an angel, always ready to help someone in need and always leading with her heart. She knew how to enjoy life, appreciate the moment, and make people feel welcome and loved.

Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. The aroma of freshly baked cookies and brownies often filled the air whenever they spent time together. She treasured every moment with them and created countless memories filled with laughter and love. She especially enjoyed the playful antics of her grandson Xavier, who delighted in teasing her, convincing her at one point that he was actually his cousin Victor Bryan, and even persuading her that Victor Bryan’s second baby was a boy instead of a girl. These moments brought her endless joy and became treasured family stories.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Kevin McBride; her children, Victor (Laura), Jodie (Braxton), and Kenneth (Candice); her sisters, Marilyn and Wanda; her brother, David; her grandchildren, Victor Bryan (Abby), Xavier, Alysa, Brady, Abby, Bridget, Canaan, Aiden, Isaiah, Bella, Thorin, and Benny; and her great-grandchildren, Renji and Nelliel. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and coworkers whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Brenda’s legacy lives on through the countless people she loved, helped, and inspired. She will be remembered for her strength, resilience, humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A viewing service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at: Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City, Utah

Guests are encouraged to use the parking lot and entrance on the north side of the building. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Elysian Burial Gardens 1075 E. 4580 S.
Millcreek, Utah.