Brenda Jean Grondahl

Portsmouth - Brenda Jean Grondahl of Moosup, Connecticut and Norway, Maine, died peacefully with loved ones by her side on August 1, 2025, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Born on June 5, 1941, to the late Alfred and Grace (Duprey) Bennett in Sterling, Connecticut, she grew up in Moosup alongside her younger brother, Henry. Throughout the years, love remained a dominating and ever present aspect of her life whether it be with family or friends. A graduate of Bryant College in Rhode Island, Brenda married her sweetheart Eric Grondahl on December 29, 1962, and shared more than 62 years of marriage together. The couple had three children – Michael, Marc, and Liisa – who they too raised in Moosup and showed the world to. If one word could describe Brenda, it would be honest. She was always passionate and caring and never kept you guessing about her true thoughts. It’s this honesty and sense of humor which allowed her laugh to not only fill up a room, but an entire home. Brenda always had an eye for the finer things in life. She could be at an antique tent sale in the middle of Maine, or in a grand boutique in the middle of an Italian city. No matter what, she would find something which fit her taste and style. Once settled in Norway and with the arrival of her six grandchildren, Brenda took on a new role as caregiver and matriarch. Known affectionately as “Gram,” she shared her passions of gardening, cooking, animals, and sports with her grandchildren. The joy she felt when watching the championship success of the Boston Red Sox and UConn Huskies basketball team was second to none. In Maine, Brenda and Eric raised many cats who were sharp at times but always loving. Her final cat, Tiffany, became her absolute pride and joy from the moment she adopted her as a kitten. Brenda, predeceased by her husband Eric, is survived by her younger brother Henry and his wife Priscilla, her children Michael and his wife Lisa, Marc, and Liisa and her husband Butch. She is also survived by her nieces Sara and Abby, along with her grandchildren Eric, Matthew, Luke, Justin, Charles, and Rylee. A private burial will be held for Brenda in her home state of Connecticut. In her honor, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking here. We can all hope and strive to be someone like Brenda. She will be missed dearly.

Brenda Jean Grondahl

June 5, 1941 - August 1, 2025