Brenda Marie Gomez

Brenda Marie Gomez, 60, of Norman, Oklahoma, went home to be with her Lord on September 26, 2025. She was born on December 19, 1964, in Pomona, California, the firstborn of John and Linda Chaffee, and from that day forward she brought joy, delight, and light into their lives. Those that were close to Brenda knew that she showed her characteristic spunk and strong will from the start, just to make life a little more interesting.

Brenda grew up in Southern California, where she lived in Ontario, Angeles Oaks, Rancho Cucamonga, Huntington Beach, and Long Beach. Each place shaped her in unique ways, but wherever she went, she carried with her a joyful spirit and a heart for people. In April 2008, she and her husband made Norman, Oklahoma, their home.

On June 20, 1987, Brenda married her high school sweetheart, Vince Gomez, in Upland, California. Together, they built a life marked by love, adventure, and faith. She not only captured Vince’s heart, but quickly became a cherished daughter-in-law as well—his mother affectionately called her “mija.” In their early years together, they enjoyed trips to Disneyland, fellowship with friends and family, and traveling to their “home away from home”—the beautiful island of Maui. Brenda was never happier than when she had her toes in the sand and the ocean breeze in her hair.

Brenda gave her life to Jesus in 1977 when she was baptized, and from then on she lived as a devoted follower of Christ. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, she played an instrumental role in Vince’s own conversion, weaving faith deeply into the foundation of their marriage. After moving to Norman, she became an active member of Alameda Church of Christ, where she poured her heart into ministry. She joyfully taught hundreds of children over the years in Bible class, and in more recent years, she welcomed everyone with her radiant smile as she served coffee each Sunday morning.

Though Brenda never had children of her own, she was a “second mom” to countless others, especially Nadia, and lovingly embraced the role of godmother to many, including Arin, Marissa & Ashley, Justin & Jared, Jason & Hank, and Ricci & Maddox. She also adored her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, making each one feel uniquely cherished. Whether it was baking a favorite treat, whipping up her signature hot cocoa, or finding just the right way to celebrate them, Brenda delighted in creating moments of joy and love.

Brenda had a gift for baking, and nothing brought her more joy than sharing her creations—whether it was pumpkin bars fresh from the oven, warm cinnamon rolls, homemade cookies, or flaky pies. Her co-workers and the children in her life especially looked forward to those sweet treats, which she offered with love and a smile.

She had a gift for capturing beauty through the lens of her camera—whether it was the wonder of nature or the sparkle in a loved one’s eyes, she knew how to make her subjects shine. Brenda’s creativity, warmth, and thoughtfulness left lasting impressions on all who knew her.

Those who loved Brenda will forever hold her memory close. She is survived by her parents, John and Linda Chaffee; her sisters, Pam Davis (Kevin) and Jenny Jones (Brian); nephew Tom Davis (Amy); nieces Annie Davis and Emily Houtchens (Cordell); nephew Zach Jones; great-nephew Zane Davis; great-niece Aria Davis; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a vast and loving extended Gomez family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to honor Brenda’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Alameda Church of Christ, with interment to follow at Norman IOOF Cemetery. The family will also receive friends from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Tribute Memorial Care.

The Gomez family has entrusted Tribute Memorial Care with the care and services of their beloved Brenda.

Brenda’s life was a living testimony of love, faith, and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her laughter, her kindness, and her devotion to others will continue to inspire and bless generations to come.