Brenda Richard Crews, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 82. Brenda was born July 27, 1944, in Jennings, LA to Joseph Ben (JB) Richard and Beulah Bertrand Richard.

Brenda graduated from St. Charles Academy in Lake Charles and Our Lady of Holy Cross College in Algiers, Louisiana. She grew up in Lake Charles and spent many of her adult years in the Lafayette area. Her career as a teacher of math and science included teaching at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau and in the Lafayette school system. Following retirement, she returned to Lake Charles.

Brenda had many interests and talents, but she especially loved creating and sharing things with the people around her. She was a talented watercolor artist and an excellent cook. Her flowers were always beautiful, and she loved sharing plants with her friends. She and her husband, Mike, enjoyed gardening together and were known for growing the biggest tomatoes and the sweetest figs.

Brenda believed in using everything and wasting very little-sometimes perhaps a little too enthusiastically. Her homemade breads, jellies, and jams were family favorites, and many family breakfasts included her homemade biscuits served with jelly she had made herself.

Brenda and Mike enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, and simply spending time with family. The life they built together was filled with the things Brenda valued most-family, home, good food, and sharing what she had with the people she loved.

A special place in Brenda's life was always held by her lifelong friends from the St. Charles Academy Class of 1962, "the girls." Through all the years and seasons of life, their friendship remained a constant and treasured gift to Brenda.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Joshua P. Domingue and his fiancée, Kim, and David M. Domingue; her grandchildren, Hunter Domingue, his fiancée, Madison, and her son, Hudson; Joshua (JJ) Domingue, Jr. and his girlfriend, Anika; and Tyler Domingue; her great-granddaughter, Blakely; her brother, Darrell Richard; her sister, Deborah Richard; and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Michael W. Crews, and her parents, Joseph Ben (JB) Richard and Beulah Bertrand Richard.

Brenda's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Sage Oak for the care and companionship they provided during the last year of her life. They became like family to Brenda and were there for her during the times her family could not be. The family is also deeply grateful to St. Joseph Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and support they provided to Brenda and her family at the end of her life.

A private celebration of Brenda's life will be held at a later date. Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

Those wishing to commemorate Brenda's life may consider contributing to the Dementia Society of America, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers, LACACs.org .