Brenda Lee Rustin (Kauffman) died peacefully after a five-year battle with Lewy Body Parkinson's at The Grand Brook Memory Care of Grand Rapids Michigan on Monday, January 6, 2025 in Wyoming, Michigan at the age of 80.  Brenda is survived by her husband, J. Howard Rustin; children, Nettie (David) Eichelberger and Jesse Rustin; grandchildren, Cole (Ali) and Maggie Eichelberger, Kelila, Mehira, and Jesse J. Rustin; and brother, Kevin (Rosemary) Kauffman.

She was born to Kenneth D. J. and A. F. Mae (Peuhl) Kauffman on November 7, 1944 in Toledo, OH.  She graduated from Rogers High School in Toledo, Ohio in 1962.  She earned a Bachelor's Degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Brenda taught elementary school and was a preschool director and teacher.  In her 30s she transitioned to industry and had a fulfilling 40 plus year career. She retired at age 74 from Ranir Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a project manager.

Brenda enjoyed spending her time with family and friends.  Her wisdom, ability to see the good in everything,  laughter, and unconditional love will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, to be notified, friend Howard Rustin on Facebook.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Brenda Rustin to Rock Steady Boxing, an organization for Parkinson's patients, that worked with her personally in her fight against Parkinson's Disease, at https://rocksteadyboxing.org/support-us/.