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Life story

" Brenda Ann Foster Hatfield – a 20-year resident of Spotsylvania County, VA – died surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 after losing a well-fought battle with cancer.

Brenda was born on January 28th, 1960 in Washington, D.C. as the second child of Delbert and Nellie Foster. Living in Alexandria, VA, Delbert had a long career in the northern Virginia automotive sales industry and Nellie was a fixture in the local legal community. Brenda's parents instilled in their daughter a lifelong commitment to helping others and promoting right from wrong.

Growing up in Springfield, VA, Brenda spent her formative years among many members of her large extended family. This included her grandparents, a dozen aunts and uncles, and a score of cousins.

Brenda was gifted with a beautiful mind that overflowed with creativity and intellect. She followed her artistic passions by completing a degree in advertising design and began her professional career in 1982.

In 1985, Brenda's first son Alix was born. Raising and providing for her son is what sparked her passion for motherhood. As a hardworking single mother, her newfound goals led her to volunteer as an art teacher at Alix’s daycare, and she later became a teacher's assistant in Fairfax County Public Schools.

In 1987, Brenda was reunited with her college boyfriend Mark Hatfield, and the two were soon married. The young family, including Aslan – Brenda and Alix's German Shepherd – moved across the country to Mark’s home in San Diego, CA.

In 1989, the family grew again with the birth of Mark and Brenda's son Jesse. Just 4 years apart, Jesse and Alix quickly became close siblings and remain as such to this day.

1992 brought turmoil and an economic slow-down to Southern California. Mark and Brenda decided to return to Virginia to focus on raising their children while surrounded by many members of their extended families.

In 1998, the family grew a final time with the birth of their third child Hannah. Brenda had always wanted a daughter to round out the family, and Hannah was a welcome addition to the household. Her older brothers took her under their wing and all three children have grown into wonderful and successful adults.

Brenda’s legacy includes more than the raising of her own children. She worked hard as a full-time mother by volunteering her time, energy, care, and creativity throughout her children’s education. She was also prolific in all of her children’s endeavors such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, where she would also help other children as if they were her own. She was an extremely talented cook and was excellent at crafting; she put together many impressive meals and Halloween costumes! Brenda touched many lives in her time on this earth, and she left us all better for it.

It absolutely must be noted that Brenda loved dogs. Dogs always seemed to trust her. If there was ever a dog around, even if fifteen other people were there, any dogs would end up in Brenda’s lap. Beginning with her childhood Schnauzer Mr. Ed and her first dog Aslan, she ultimately cared for over a dozen dogs throughout her life. Brenda deeply respected her canine companions, and she viewed them as equal members of her family. She would be the first to tell you that dogs are always there for somebody when they need a lift, always eager to protect their loved ones, and always completely free of judgment. Brenda made sure her dogs were a constant fixture in her daily life, and it is clear that they – like us – will miss her greatly.

Brenda is survived by her husband Mark Hatfield and her three adult children: Alix, Jesse, and Hannah. She is also survived by her mother Nellie Foster in Springfield, VA, her sister Debbie Kraus in Woodbridge, VA, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins around the country. She also leaves behind her two Golden Retrievers Thor and Loki, who miss her very much – as we all do.

Brenda was clear in her final wishes that, rather than being devastated by her passing, those close to her should celebrate her life and the joy she brought to others. One of her last comments to Mark, which was characteristically understated, was, “We had a good run.” Accordingly, the family is planning a celebration of life event at the family home in Fredericksburg, VA, sometime in the next few months. Please leave your contact information in the guestbook if you would like to join us when our official plans come together.

In lieu of flowers, we request giving in her name to others in need through Brenda and Mark’s favorite organization, The Charity of Spartan 300: a 501c3 all-volunteer group that assists families tied to the West Springfield community near where Brenda lived and worked. Mark has served on the Charity’s board of directors for years and is passionate about their mission. All donations go directly to families of Springfield children needing financial assistance due to medical, funeral, tuition expenses and other hardships.

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