Brenda L. Mendez Brenda L. Mendez, 61, of Defiance, passed away Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 at the Laurels of Defiance. Our family lost a kind, loving caring, daughter, sister, and mother after a 40 year battle with Lupus. She lost a three month battle with pancreatic cancer. She will be sadly missed forever. She was born in Defiance, Ohio on July 12, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Jimmie D. and Ossielee (McCoy) Branham who survives her of Defiance. She had worked in the core room at G. M. Central Foundry, retiring in 1985. Surviving are her mother Ossielee Branham of Defiance, daughter Stephanie Charles of Bryan, son Cory (Olivia) Mendez of Paulding, sister Terrie Vaughn of Defiance, brother James "Don" (Stephanie) Branham of Sherwood, and a granddaughter Tia Mendez, nephews: James Branham and Jacob Vaughn, nieces: Emily Branham and Jennie Vaughn and her companion of 12 years Mark Miles. She was preceded in death by her father Jimmie Branham. Private graveside services will be at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance. The family lost a loved one but heaven has welcomed a beautiful angel. Condolences may be shared at www.lawsonroessner.com