UPDATE 1/25/26

Brenda's family is touched by the generosity of everyone who has donated. Friends, family, coworkers, many who knew Brenda, many who did not - thank you to each and every one of you. As mentioned before, Brenda's career working with high school students fulfilled her, gave her purpose, and brought her joy. This monetary gift honors her legacy and the heart that she had for students.

With deep gratitude, the family will now begin the process of transferring this gift to Yamhill Carlton High.

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Brenda VanderZanden worked at Yamhill Carlton High School as a social studies teacher, leadership teacher, graduation coach and school counselor. Throughout her time at YC, she was enriched and fulfilled by her relationships with her colleagues and loved her students very much. Her time leading the student leadership program was especially rewarding to her.

Tragically, Brenda passed away on Christmas day, 2025, after a hard fought battle against breast cancer, and her family asks that you consider donating to the YC leadership program in her honor.

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Brenda Renee VanderZanden, age 62, of the Hillsboro community, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her cherished family. Her warmth, kindness, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Brenda was born on July 25, 1963, in Hillsboro, Oregon, the eldest of three daughters born to John and Sharon (Loving) Clarno. She attended school in Hillsboro before moving with her family to Billings, Montana during her junior year of high school, where she graduated from Billings West High School with the Class of 1981. A lifelong learner, Brenda later attended Portland Community College and Portland State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 2015, followed by a master’s degree from George Fox University in 2017—an accomplishment she was incredibly proud of.

She met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” VanderZanden, through church. After a two-year courtship, they were married on February 2, 1985, at Evergreen Christian Center in Hillsboro. Together they built a loving home, raising Chuck’s son, Josh, along with their three children, Ryan, Tyler, and Ashley. Family was always at the center of Brenda’s life, and she poured her heart into creating a home filled with care, laughter, and faith.

Brenda worked for over 17 years as an administrative assistant in the Counseling Department at Century High School. During this time, she balanced full-time work with part-time college studies—an inspiring testament to her dedication and perseverance. In 2017, she fulfilled a long-held dream when she began teaching at Yamhill Carlton High School. Brenda was deeply impacted by the students and staff at both Century and Yamhill Carlton, and she, in turn, left a lasting impression on countless lives through her compassion and encouragement.

Above all, Brenda loved her family, with a special soft spot for her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She was an avid camper, and many fond memories were made traveling with Chuck in their trailer, exploring the Oregon Coast and beyond. These adventures often included friends, family, and even their children’s friends, reflecting Brenda’s generous and welcoming spirit. Through church, Brenda and Chuck formed lifelong friendships and shared joyful moments together, including participating in seasonal plays and singing side by side in the church choir.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, John, and her sister, Rochelle.

She is survived by her mother, Sharon; her devoted husband, Chuck; her four children and their spouses—Joshua and Shawna VanderZanden of Hillsboro, Ryan and Candace VanderZanden of Forest Grove, Tyler VanderZanden and Michael Allen of Beaverton, and Ashley and Christian Cerna of Tigard; her sister, Charisse, and brother-in-law, Chris Peters of Cornelius; her six beloved grandchildren, Kayla, Emelyn, Brooks, Elsie, Sylvia, and Beau; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. All who knew Brenda will continue to carry her memory—and her light—close to their hearts.