Brenda Harris

Brenda L. Harris, born December 16, 1955, in Elwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2024, surrounded by her beloved children and grandchildren after a courageous battle with cancer.

Brenda was the youngest child of Robert and Lucille (Wilson) Mountcastle, who welcomed her into the world at Mercy Hospital. Tragically, her father passed away in a car accident while her mother was pregnant, yet Brenda was greeted by the love and support of her siblings: Tom (Carol) Mountcastle, Ronnie (Dot) Mountcastle, Robert Mountcastle, Carolyn (Richard) Mountcastle, Enman Ruth Mountcastle, and Bennie (Alice) Mountcastle. Raised in Elwood, Brenda carried with her the strength and resilience of her close-knit family.

Brenda dedicated her life to caring for others, working in the healthcare field and raising her five children, whom she loved deeply: Dawn Dauenhauer (Harris), Shawn (Jennifer) Harris, Shane Harris, Shanna (Monty Brown) Harris, and Brannon (Anita) Harris. She was also a proud grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin, cherished by her large extended family. Her playful, loving spirit touched many, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Per Brenda's wishes, no formal funeral services will be held, and she will be cremated. Her family invites those who knew and loved her to celebrate her life in their own way, remembering her as she was before cancer took hold: vibrant, full of laughter, and with a personality that could light up any room.

Brenda left us a final message in her own words:

On September 15th, 2024, I received a call from Heaven letting me know my work here on Earth was done. I couldn’t refuse the offer—it came with a wonderful sign-on bonus: reuniting with my parents, Robert and Lucille, whom I never got to meet, and with the love of my life, James Harris, and my ex-husband, Steven Wilson. I’ll also be joining my siblings, in-laws, and many dear friends who got there before me.

My new mission is in a beautiful place, where I’ll be dancing, laughing, and spreading love, just like I always have. Heaven needed a little more of my kind of crazy, and I’ll be watching over you all. Remember me as I was, full of love and laughter, and know that my memory will live on in your hearts. I love you all, and I’ll see you in Heaven!