BRENDA JOYCE “T’AASARAGUWIGA-FIERY SWORD” BROWN

BRENDA JOYCE “T’AASARAGUWIGA-FIERY SWORD” BROWN

     Brenda Joyce “T’aasara-guwiga-Fiery Sword” Brown, 81, passed away March 12, 2023, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in the town of Komensky in Black River Falls, WI. She was born to Henry and Melinda Greengrass. She married Lee Brown Jr. Feb. 14, 1995.

     Brenda spent her time creating many memories doing what she loved, such as traveling, fishing, beading, making shawls, playing bingo and slots. She also loved to cook for all family get-togethers and for our traditional ways. Her best role was being a Nani and Gaga.

     Her employment consisted of many positions within the Ho-Chunk Nation (HCN), which she retired from in 2003 as an executive administrative assistant. She served on the HCN Tribal Enrollment Committee for many years. She was a lifetime member of Andrew Blackhawk Auxiliary Post 129.  She also was a volunteer to PERS services at Black River Memorial hospital. She was a founding member of the HC Safety Patrol, where she became the payroll clerk.

     She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Steven) Zimmerman from Tuttle, OK, and son, Lee “Chuck” (Melinda) Brown III; her grandchildren, Fonda (Edward) Blackdeer, Skylar Zimmerman and Whitney Zimmerman, Clayton Wamego, Ryan Wamego, Zyanna Deloney, Ella Brown, Lynissa Greyhair, Lariah Greyhair and Kylie Greyhair and Xavion; great-grandchildren Silas, Renley and Owen Zimmerman, Rylee Wamego, Oriana White Thunder, Rozelle Wamego, Sire White Thunder and Raydon Wamego; her siblings, Leona McKee, Doug Greengrass, Christina LaMere and Pinkah Greengrass; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

     She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Melinda Greengrass; her infant son, and daughter Renee Louise Wentz; her brothers, Maynard Greengrass, Charles Greengrass, Kenneth Littlegeorge and Roy Greengrass; and sisters Henrietta Greengrass, Marcy Ann Patton and Betty Jane White.

     Traditional funeral services were held at HCN District 1 Community Center, N. 7261 Warrior Avenue, Black River Falls, WI, with JoAnn Jones officiating. Visitation was Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at Buswell Funeral Home. Funeral services were Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Visitation was from 10 a.m. to 12p.m. Burial services followed at Decorah Cemetery. 

     The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls assisted the family with arrangements.