Brenda Joyce Garloch

Brenda Joyce (Hess) Garloch of Erie, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. Brenda was born on October 26, 1942, the second of ten chldren, to Boyd Hess, Sr. and his wife Vera (Patterson).

Brenda graduated in 1960, a member of the first graduating class of General McClane High School, and began her career in retail services at downtown Erie’s historic Boston Store. Following her time at the Boston Store, she began a career at Country Fair where she worked in manamegement at Country Fair on 38th and Caughey for over 30 years. She ended her career at Country Fair to take a position with PNC bank retiring after 5 years of service.

On May 20, 1967 she married Paul Glenn Garloch, Sr with whom she celebrated her 59th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband, her son, Paul, Jr. (Abby) of York, PA, and her daughters Elizabeth, and Donna of Erie; as well as her grandchildren, Hannah and Zachary, also of York, PA.

Throughout her life, Brenda showed caring and compasion to not only her family, but also her community. As a member of the West Ridge Auxillary, she was able to use her experience growing up in a large family to serve her community with countless dinners and organized actvities. There was never a birthday or anniversary that didn’t warrant at least one personalized card in her excellent pennmanship. Brenda also used her artistic side to pursue her interests in sewing, knitting, and quliting. Always able to supply a pair (or 5) of mittens to anyone’s hands in danger from a cold Erie winter.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her brother, Bernard (Willie) Hess, brother-in-law, Dennis Mayer, Sr., her sister-in-law, Janet Hess, two nieces, a nephew, a great-nephew, and a great niece. She leaves behind a large family that includes eight siblings: Edward (Joan) Hess, Evelyn Mayer, Ardell (Joann) Hess, Boyd (Barb) Hess, Lloyd Hess, Florence (George) Wilkosz, Dale (Lori) Hess, and Arnold (Jeanette) Hess, her godson, Justin Hess; as well as 30 nieces and nephews and their families. 

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Inc, West Ridge 3801 w 26th street on Thursday,  July 23rd from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8pm and are invited to attend a service there on Friday,  July 24th at 11:00am.