Brenda Kathryn Sutherland Fratesi passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 75 years of age. Known as B to her friends and family, she was a woman with an enormous heart wrapped up in a beautiful, small package. B’s obituary, like her, will be short, sweet, and to the point.

B was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Jackson and Odelia Southerland, brother George Southerland, and niece Jackie Southerland.

Everyone who met B would say that she was direct and honest with high hopes and expectations for herself and those around her. Always dedicated to learning and improving herself, B earned two master’s degrees and went on to be a passionate teacher and a successful insurance executive. However, not many people know that B was also an extremely talented artist, bringing to life exceptional paintings and performing with a traveling dance company. As an active member of her churches throughout her life, B served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a Parrish Council Member, and served as Trustee of the Parrish of St. Joseph in Washington, NJ.

Yet of all B ’s roles, she would tell you that her biggest and most important were those of wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Her passion for life, witty sense of humor, and extreme devotion to her family and friends taught us all the meaning of unconditional love.

We will continue to hear her encouragement to “do things right the first time,” to “put ourselves in other peoples’ shoes,” and, to “always make the best of any situation.” There is no doubt that B was a loving, giving, and caring person. The evidence of which is the deep sorrow and pain in our hearts that her family and friends feel from her passing.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 48 years Louis Fratesi and their daughter Nicki Luczak, her husband Tony Luczak, and their children Taylor, Drew, and Jack; her son Brian Fratesi, his wife Jennifer Fratesi, and their children Josie and Emmie; and her son Joe Fratesi, his wife Sarah Fratesi, and their children Nate, Caleb, and Leah.

Services for Brenda are scheduled for Visitation from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 11:00 A.M at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society by phone at 1-800-227-2345 or by mail at P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK. 73123.