of salesville, AR
August 15, 1961 - August 26, 2025
Arrangements for Mrs. Brenda Kowalski, 64, of Norfork, Arkansas are under the care of Roller Funeral Home. Mrs. Kowalski passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in Mountain View, Arkansas surrounded by her loved ones.
Brenda was born on August 15, 1961 in Morganton, North Carolina to the late Henry and Eva (Everhart) Self. Raised with a strong sense of family and faith, Brenda carried the values of kindness, hard work and devotion throughout her life. She later made her home in Norfork, Arkansas where she poured her heart into raising her children and tending to her family.
Brenda was proud to be a homemaker, and she gave of herself daily in caring for those around her. She also served as an occasional substitute teacher for the Norfork School District where her warm smile and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on countless students. Her love for learning and creativity often shined through in the way she encouraged children, both her own and others, to explore the world around them.
A woman of many interests, Brenda had a passion for rock collecting and over the years, built a large and cherished collection. She loved the stories each stone seemed to hold and she found joy in sharing that passion with friends and family. She also had a gift for music and often played her banjo, filling her home with tunes that reflected her cheerful and down-to-earth nature.
When she wasn't collecting rocks or strumming her banjo, Brenda could be found outdoors, enjoying the beauty of the Ozarks. She loved taking rides through the countryside, walking in nature and spending time with her children. She was happiest when surrounded by her family, whether they were on a simple walk, working together in the yard or just sitting and talking. Brenda also had a tender spot for plants and animals; her home was always brightened by thriving greenery and beloved pets that she cared for with great affection.
Brenda leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth and strength. She is survived by her daughter, Quixoti Chiana Kowalski and her fiancé, Micah Cruse; her son, Moon Rei Kowalski and her sister, Karen Cox. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Eva Self.
Though Brenda has gone on to her heavenly rest, her presence will live on in the hearts of her family, her friends and all who were blessed to know her. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of family and her ability to find beauty in the simple things in life.
A visitation will be Friday, September 5th from 5:00-7:00pm at Roller Funeral Home where family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of a beloved mother, sister and friend.
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37 Condolence(s)
Tim Allen
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Dearest Brenda, you truly are a shining star. It was a long time ago, but I have never forgotten. I've thought of you and your sweetness many times over the years. That hole in my heart is a little bigger now. They always say, the first cut is the deepest. I'm sorry I was a troubled teenager with difficulty controlling my emotions. Your sister knows my regrets. We've discussed it in recent years. Thanks again for the Hotel California album on my 17th birthday. I can never hear a song from that album without thinking of you. I also remember when you started banjo lessons. Say hi to Jesus for me, and ask him if you can borrow a banjo.😁
Bethany Humbyrd
Sunday, September 7, 2025
My most beautiful swisher sweets, it’s your Bethie Lou, just last week, I looked on my phone and wondered why your contact name was on my screen as if I was about to write you a message, now I know why for I ran into Dallas today at Walmart and she told me what happened. As the Lord speaks once, yeah twice, but man perceives it not! There is no coincidental! I know now that you were trying to get my attention. For death is just a breath away and we walk from this realm into the next. Being a God chosen intercessor and knowing of divine appointments, I know that you came to me to get my attention and I want you to know that I got your message. Prayers for your beautiful children are going forward for your babies. I know how much they were your everything and still are . I write this out to you because I want your children to know that death has no sting and grace has no victory. That at your death, I got your message as we had many many many conversations about God and the hear after. I love you Brenda, my dear friend, my swisher sweets! I’ll see you in dreams, as I know you will visit me and I’ll meet you at the gate when it’s my time ! But until then, I will intercede for your children to fulfill their life purpose when the spirit comes on me for them but my prayer right now is for comfort, for them to feel your love , visit them in their dreams knowing you are still very much with them and for them not to blame themselves . For we so so love to blame ourselves, don’t we, line life isn’t hard enough that we have to just beat ourselves up with things we have no control over. If we could have known, we would have changed it of coarse. Your mom would not want you doing that! What she wants is you to be happy! She wants you to be loved, be prosperous and be blessed in everything you do. For her, do that!! That’s how you honor her!! Live!!!! Love you all! Let your mom live through you!!❤️❤️❤️
John and Tammy Walker
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Rest In Peace Brenda. You will be forever in our hearts and minds, remembering your beautiful, kind spirit that touched everyone and everything that surrounded you. It will always be remembered that you were one that could hold up the sun and truly loved potato chips. Our memories of you will sustain us until we meet again, dear friend.
Karla Mullins
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
I grew up with Brenda. We met when we were siis years old in 1967. We were so silly and had so much fun together, my parents were her parents and her parents were my parents. I will never forget the times we had. We played together when we were little. We laughed about everything, We became teenagers and still were very close Im 1978. We moved across town. We still seen each other from time to time although we did go our separate ways as the years went on, but we had a bond together that will never be forgotten. She meant the world to me.. Such a special person. It’s not every day you meet a Brenda.
Brandi Domenick
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Words can’t even describe how much I’m going to miss you Brenda. I’m going to miss your beautiful smile, your infectious energy and oh that smile! You were one of the first people that I met when we moved back to Norfork over 20 years ago and I am so going to miss you my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved this amazing person in the world lost a little bit of sunshine, but I know that she is watching over all of us.
Joe & Kathy Cherry
Monday, September 1, 2025
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for you Quixoti, Moon, dear friends & family. You were a bright, amazing soul.
Mary Burr
Monday, September 1, 2025
Brenda was a very sweet lady, always smiling! Sorry to hear of this. Condolences to Moon, Q and family.
Kristi @ Rodney Christian
Monday, September 1, 2025
Moon and Q, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mama was a timeless beauty inside and out.
Jennifer H. Grooms
Monday, September 1, 2025
You brought so much love and light into my life and walked with me through my Momma’s death. I remember many late nights when you would comfort me as I cried. I love you, my sweet sister for a time.
Fr. Timothy Geckle
Sunday, August 31, 2025
May she rest in peace.
Prayers for the family!
Judy Eldridge
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Brenda was such a great person. God has opened his arms to her in heaven. She was always helping at Norfork Elementary School with my Parent group. Always smiling and perky. She made everyone feel so happy and good. I loved meeting her at the bbq spot at the TJMaxx parking lot. I loved to talk to her. My deep condolences to the kids. I hope they continue to spread the happiness that she did.
Lu’Ciana Gaskin
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Mrs. Brenda was more than just the mother of my childhood best friend, she was a second mom to me, a steady presence whose warmth and wisdom shaped so many of my early memories. Her home was a sanctuary, filled with laughter, grace, and the kind of love that made everyone feel like family. She had a way of seeing people deeply, of offering comfort without judgment and guidance without pressure. I was always welcomed with open arms, never made to feel like a guest, but like someone who belonged. It doesn’t seem real, but I’m endlessly grateful for the love she poured into my life.
Lyndsay Lasecki
Sunday, August 31, 2025
I've known Brenda as the mother to my best friend Q and her awesome brother Moon. Brenda was like a second mother to me, she helped me learn the things that even my own family didn't have the time for to teach me. I pray the hardest to her family during this time.
Candy
Sunday, August 31, 2025
I have known Brenda for 20 plus years she has always been a positive and genuine person she was a real friend and always willing and wanting to help people she loved her children with everything she had in her she will be missed Rip
Skylar Foster
Saturday, August 30, 2025
I send my condolences to moon and Q your mother was one of best she was an amazing women and brought great smiles to all faces. I’m so very sorry for your loss she will always be in our hearts
Vincent Kowalski
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Quixoti and Moon, thinking of you both during this difficult time. Your mother’s passing is a profound loss, and I’m sending heartfelt condolences.
Carla Lane
Saturday, August 30, 2025
I was blessed to have been a childhood friend of Brenda. We went through grade school junior high and high school together. Her beauty reached far beyond her face. She was quiet and always had a smile on her face. My prayers are with the family.
Anita Ireland
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Karen I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family .
Mary Clark
Saturday, August 30, 2025
I am praying for you Moon and Q. Brenda was a very sweet, loving and kind natured woman. I never seen her without a smile on her face. You will see her in nature and in the skies. She will always be close. You guys stay as strong as you possibly can.
Sandra
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Brenda and zi have been friends fot many years I'm going yo miss her calls her lsigh just every thing about her.rest easy my precious friend. Lovecyou forever
Andria Moore McGowen
Friday, August 29, 2025
My thoughts an prayers to you an your kids Brenda. Q a Moon your mother was one in a million. Much love to you all.
Tamera Cunningham
Friday, August 29, 2025
Brenda was a blast! Such a fun , loving, caring beautiful soul full of light. The world has become a little dimmer. You'll sorely missed, dear friend. But always loved and never forgotten.
Ruth Jarman
Friday, August 29, 2025
I love you my dear friend. I will see you soon. You are the best friend I ever had. I will be here for your kids. Love you and I miss you already. Fly high girl friend ❤️💙
Susan G Calderwood
Friday, August 29, 2025
Met the beautiful Brenda at the norfork apartments, Brenda was such a beautiful, loving and caring friend. She and I always kept in contact even after I moved away. Brenda was and always will be an Angel. Brenda was so loved and admired here on earth, now she is one Beautiful Angel watching us all. Brenda you Will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE. NEVER A GOODBYE, BE SEEING YOU AGAIN.
Jashenia Garland
Friday, August 29, 2025
Brenda was the most beautiful person inside and out, her smile would literally just light up the room .. the hardest working woman I have ever met , I will miss seeing you from time to time so much (the laughter) … my thoughts and prayers are with Moon and his sister and her whole family , I am so sorry
Gretchen Holcer
Friday, August 29, 2025
This world without Brenda isn't quite as bright but the memory of her will always linger in my heart. She was and is amazing. Energy never dies. We will meet again. Much love to Quixoti and Moon. Summertime at the lake with you guys was always one of my favorite memories and it's held tight forever. Love never dies either.
Kara Dangelo
Friday, August 29, 2025
I was a neighbor,of Miss.Brendas in Norfork Apts, Had a warmth,and always smiling.. she made u,feel better.. just by a hi or conversation.... She helped me, through difficult times, will miss her..but she is still with us,an angel on earth,now with God
Mandi Thompson
Friday, August 29, 2025
I'm so, so very sorry for your loss. Mrs.Brenda was always so nice and always had a smile on her face. Anytime we seen each other we would stop and talk. Now she is smiling with the angels. Can you imagine the smile Jesus got as she approached Him with that smile and glow she had.
What a tragic loss.
Much love and prayers from the Thompsons, Lynn's, and Youngs.
You kids have to be strong and keep on keeping on, like your momma would want. She will never really leave you... you just can't physically see her anymore but be assured that you can feel her presence. She will be there guiding you from behind the scenes. May the Lord our God wrap His arms around Q and Moon and comfort them. 🙏 💜
Candy Barnes
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Brenda lit up every room. Her laugh and cheerful spirit were so very special. Her ability to find the good in everyone and any situation was a trait I always wished I had.
Days at the lake when the kids were little, get togethers with friends, good times, those are the memories I will cherish.
Kathy Self Roper
Thursday, August 28, 2025
sweet cuz, what a blessing you've been since the day you entered this earth. what a blessing will be carried on by your sweet children. I always admired your strong ,sweet spirit. thou your time on earth was short I'm sure your playing in that Angel band on high. your memory lives on with those who love you til we meet again. go rest high on that mountain. all my love kathy.
Christy williams
Thursday, August 28, 2025
She was the most amazing woman I know, always helping others, always smiling and happy kind words to say. I remember when I worked with her at a resort she wouldn't even kill a spider we found in a room she would take it outside. If anybody ever had a heart of gold it is Brenda. I've known her for 20 some years, she became my family, my chosen sister, and a vert cherished best friend. She just brought so much joy to everyone around here. She loved her kids so much they were her life, I see so much of her in them. I love you my chosen sister Brenda and miss you so much. She could have the worst day and she would still be smiling, laughing and find good in anybody and anything. Her smile so beautiful and contagious. We will always still have a piece of her through Q and Moon.
Jeffrey Self
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Cousin you’re a very special lady. It has been such a long time since I’ve gotten to see and play music with you. The world will be a lesser place without you in it.
You will definitely be missed.
Love Jeff
Dallas Basco & Ozark Mtn BBQ
Thursday, August 28, 2025
“Brendy Wendy” you are dearly missed by all of us at Ozark Mtn BBQ! We are all honored to call you our co-worker, friend & family! Gone but never forgotten! We love you & God has your six my love❤️
Paigeann Manhart-Zander
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Brenda was a wonderful person, a true friend ,wonderful mom. I will deeply miss her 💔
tim kowalski
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Sorry for your loss Moon and Q.
She will be missed.
josie
Thursday, August 28, 2025
I am so very sorry for your loss Quixoti and Moon, your momma was such a sweet lady my prayers are with you, may god comfort you both.
Charity Beasley
Thursday, August 28, 2025
How lucky are we to have had someone so amazing that we all feel her loss this deeply. I will forever miss that smile and your hugs. Love you forever, Brendy.