Brenda was born October 24, 1955, in Sheldon, the daughter of Sidney and Norma Jean (Stiff) Heitmeyer. She graduated from BCL High School in 1973.

On October 7, 1977, Brenda was married to Rick Sanderson. They had two sons, Blair and John. The couple later divorced but remained close with both staying in their hometown of Beaman to raise their children.

Brenda worked as a computer programmer for 13 years at Marshalltown Trowel. She taught at Marshalltown Community College for 20 years, retiring in 2021, but continued to stay on staff as an adjunct professor up until this year.

Brenda lived in Beaman for most of her life and served on the city council for a number of years. In 2021, she moved to Waterloo to be closer to her family and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her two sons: John (Sarah) Sanderson of Waterloo and Blair (Sarah) Sanderson of Denver; six grandchildren: Anna, Nora and Alaina Sanderson and Sophie, Brody and Sydney Sanderson. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Jean Heitmeyer, and her brother, Bryan Heitmeyer.

A celebration of life for Brenda will be held at 12 PM on August 3 at the Beaman Memorial Hall.