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NILES -- Brenda Sue Hibbard, 67, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, Oct. 6, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
She was born June 1, 1958, in Youngstown, a daughter of Paul L. and Janet I. Wilhelm Hayes.
Brenda was a 1976 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. She attended YSU, where she achieved a bachelor's degree in education and she furthered her education with a master's degree in education from Kent State University. She was a kindergarten and elementary school teacher with the Newton Falls Local School District for 30 years, prior to retiring in 2023.
She married Brian S. Hibbard on May 6, 1978. Together they shared 31 years of marriage and many happy memories. He preceded her in death Sept. 29, 2009.
Brenda was a devout Christian and had formerly attended the Four Mile Run Christian Church in Austintown, where she taught Sunday School for a time, prior to beginning her teaching career. She enjoyed camping and trips in her RV with her longtime companion, John. She was a proud member of the teachers union, a lifetime member of the Ohio Rifle Association, a breast cancer survivor and an avid gardener. One of her greatest joys was her love of rescue animals and volunteering her time with the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project in Warren.
Brenda is survived by two children, Thomas (Allyson) Hibbard of Lake Jackson, Texas, and Molly (Stephen) Hibbard of Niles. She also leaves behind three sisters, Debbie (Kenny) Hoover of Henderson, Nevada, Karen Cabuno of Youngstown and Pamela Hayes of Lovington, New Mexico; five beloved grandchildren, Sarah, Riley, Julie, Leonard and Nicole; her longtime companion, John Drewette of Austintown; and her beloved rescue pup, Grace.
Besides her husband, Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Joseph Hayes; an infant sister; and a brother-in-law, Ted Cabuno.
Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at the Lane Funeral Home Mineral Ridge Chapel, 1350 N. Canfield Niles Road, Mineral Ridge, with Pastor Michael Smith officiating.
Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
She will be laid to rest in the Kerr Cemetery, Weathersfield Township.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, 909 Martin Luther King Blvd. SW, Warren, OH 44485, in Brenda's memory.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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