Brenda Shore

Brenda Kay Shore, 76, of Sterling, IL, passed away on December 21st, 2024 surrounded by her family. 

Brenda was born on September 2nd, 1948 to Thelma and Gerald McNitt in Rock Falls, IL. Brenda graduated from Rock Falls Township High School in 1966 and later went on to become a successful realtor in the Sauk Valley area. 

In 1973 while tending bar at the Underground Brenda met and fell in love with Peter Shore. They were married shortly thereafter and after a few years began creating the family she was so proud of. 

Brenda was a realtor for over 10 years, eventually becoming the President of the Whiteside County Realtors Association for multiple terms. While her children were young she balanced work and family life while also chairing the board of the local PTO, President of the local Saturday night bowling league among many other positions. 

Brenda was a collector of many things. Her walls were filled with treasures from thousands of decorative thimbles and spoons to photos of her and her favorite Star Trek actor William Shatner. But it was at Christmas time that her treasures really came out. Every year her children formed a train to bring down what felt like hundreds of plastic totes containing her Christmas decorations. So it was a joyful day when the first of her 9 grandchildren began arriving in 2001 so they could take over the annual task. 

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Cathy, and brother Steve. She is survived by her husband Peter, son Thomas (Heather) Shore, daughter Jessica (Chris) Dewey,and son JJ (Lana) Shore all of Sterling as well as 9 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Debbie and Barbie and brother David as well as many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to recognize one special niece, Annie Arneson who took special care of her during her last difficult years. 

Services will be held at Schilling Funeral Home on Saturday, December 28th from 2-4 PM with a short service to follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Lodge of Iowa City.