Brenda G. (Mein) Oeffinger, 84, passed away in the early hours of Monday, March 10, 2025 in Indianapolis, IN.

Brenda was born in Portage, MI on June 6, 1940 to the late Jacob and Margaret Mein. She was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Albany, IN and has been a part of the St. Christopher Parish in Speedway, IN for the past 18 years. She was a member of the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 and Unit 500, an American Legion Auxiliary Associate Representative at the Louisville VA Hospital, a board member of the Floyd County Mental Health Association, and a longtime volunteer at the Floyd County Animal Rescue League.

To anyone who met Brenda, the first thing you might notice was her vibrant smile, and her gregarious laugh. You might also soon find out that she had a razor sharp wit that always elicited a smile. She loved to bake, especially bourbon balls (usually with just a bit too much bourbon!) She loved to play Bunco with her friends, and loved spending time with her family.

Brenda grew up in the unlikeliest of places, a firehouse in Portage, MI. As the daughter of the fire chief, she and her two sisters (Nancy and Jackie) experienced life like few women of her time, playing on firetrucks and helping the fellow firefighters with their duties.

Brenda had a profound love of music and dance, and played folk music with her sisters around Michigan at a young age. She passed on her passion for dancing and song to both of her children, as well as her grandchildren. She also loved singing in the church choir at OLPH.

Another interest was found later in life, politics. A staunch Republican, married to a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, made for an interesting house at times. But she never let politics get in the way of her love and respect for others, as well as friends of all persuasions. She served as the Chairperson of the Floyd County Republican Party, as well as being elected to the Township Board of Trustees.

Brenda and Dick met at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and she loved racing nearly as much as he did. Together, they opened Oeffinger's Garage and worked side by side for decades. They were beloved members of the New Albany community.

Brenda is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Richard G. Oeffinger Sr., her parents, and a sister, Nancy S. Maury.

Left to mourn her passing, sister, Jackie Eshlaman (Richard); daughter, Kristin Hinshaw (Jeff); son, Richard "Rich" G. Oeffinger Jr. (Becky); grandchildren, Evelyn Hinshaw, Maggie Hinshaw, Isla Oeffinger, and Wesley Oeffinger.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Naville & Seabrook Funeral Homes, located at 1119 E. Market Street, New Albany. The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m. and will take place at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church, located at 1752 Sheller Lane, New Albany. There will be a graveside service to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in New Albany.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Floyd County Animal Rescue League, and the American Legion Auxiliary.