Jessie Brenna , 76, Minot, formerly of Grand Forks, died Sunday, February 25, 2024, in a Minot nursing home.

Jessie Brenna (Brunskill) was born on March 26, 1947, to parents to William (Bill) and Josephine (Jo) Brunskill, the third of four daughters. She attended Catholic School until graduating in 1965 from St. James High School.

During her school years, Jessie had a passion for hairdressing, and was always working on someone's hair. After graduating, she decided to pursue a degree in hairdressing at the Grand Forks School of Hair Design. This led to a lifetime career of 43 years in the haircare industry, where she worked at Artistry, House of Venus, Alice's, and ended at Trinity Nursing Home before retiring in 2015.

Jessie married Richard (Dick) Brenna on August 17, 1968 in Grand Forks. The couple was blessed with 3 daughters during their 12 years of marriage; LizAnn, her heavenly angel, along with Jenny and Meggan, her "angels with skin".  Jessie and her family moved back to Minot in 1981 and continued to reside in Minot for many years. Dick died on April 16, 2022.

Jessie's church, West Minot Church of God, has been a very important part of her life. She has been a member of the church for many years, where she served on the lady's board, and also facilitated multiple divorce care groups. Jessie had a passion for writing cards and of love and encouragement, which she did on multiple occasions for the church and her groups. During her time at West Minot Church of God, Jessie made many friends and established a community that has also been like family to her, whom she will be forever grateful for.

During her free time, Jessie enjoyed decorating cakes and cookies, note writing, doing crafts, making Christmas gifts, swimming, both roller skating and ice skating, camping, and walks through the park.

Jessie will be remembered most as someone wo always made others feel welcome. Her dedicated prayers and mailing of cards and letters to family and friends was always such a blessing. She will be greatly missed, and forever remain in our hearts.

"Always share Christ, be kind and inclusive." -Jessie

Jessie was preceded in death by: her parents, Bill and Jo; sisters, Mary Kay and Betty; daughter, LizAnn; brothers-in-law, Denny Braus, Jerry Murphy, John Smith, Richard (Dick) Brenna; son-in-law, Len Staller, along with many dear friends.

Jessie is survived by: daughters, Jenny Staller, Meggan (Eric) Burns; sister, Wilma Smith; grandchildren, Arianna Brenna, Abby Staller, Chloe Burns, Preston Burns, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral Service: March 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at West Minot Church of God, Minot.
Visitation: March 15, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.