Brenda I. Sorto

Mrs. Brenda I. Sorto entered the heavenly kingdom on Monday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the memorial visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Saturday, August 2nd. from 5:00-9:00PM.  The cremation in Rosehill crematory, Linden was private.

Brenda, the daughter of the late Myrna H. Marrero and the late Joseph Bevilacqua was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.  She came to the mainland United States in 1986, residing in New York. Brenda moved to Roselle, New Jersey in 2003 where she stayed until 2019 when she and her family relocated to Vineland, New Jersey.

The following was offered as a loving tribute to Brenda by her dear friend, BJ.

“Everyone who knew and/or merely encountered Brenda will affirm she personified the term warrior. Throughout her incredible and beautiful journey through life, she endured innumerable adversities and miraculously conquered and overcame every challenge she continually faced. No amount of afflictions could dampen her indominable spirit nor impede her fortitude, which were clearly and undeniably her greatest and most impressive qualities.
Brenda lived and loved life to the absolute fullest with no regret. It was just one of her many admirable feats but especially when you consider the overwhelming magnitude of her obstacles. Her tenacity was truly boundless with no limitations. No matter how difficult the impediment, Brenda always prevailed with uncompromising grace, unrelenting resilience and unrivaled bravery.
Words rightfully used to describe Brenda were amazing and remarkable. Brenda was not only a staunch fighter but became a hero to all who knew and met her. Never once throughout her life did she utter the phrase, woe is me, but instead, forged ahead, overpowering each and every one of her difficulties.
To say Brenda was truly amazing would be an understatement. Even during her final months she refused to surrender and succumb to all her suffering, fighting gallantly to the absolute bitter end. Her family and friends never relinquished hope knowing Brenda never stopped fighting, throughout her life.
Although Brenda's existence could often be defined by her impairments, there was so much more beneath her disabilities. Her laugh was infectious as she truly loved everyone. Never once did Brenda ever utter a bad word about anyone. Every reminiscence was filled with joy, laughter and happiness.
Some of her fondest memories were all the wonderful people she had met and worked with at the hair salons, earlier in her life. She recalled each and every client and spoke so very highly of all of them. Never at a loss to tell a memorable story and always deeply saddened to learn of someone's passing.
Not only was Brenda an amazing friend, but truly a remarkable mother to both her children, Anthony and Mellissa, despite all her difficulties. Each and every day she continued to strive and persevere, always being the quintessential wife to her loving husband Benedict. She adored the new home they had recently purchased several years ago. It provided her with all the comforts and solace she was so very deserving of.
Brenda truly loved life, just as much as all of us truly loved Brenda. It is written those who die on the same date they were also born, have come full circle. Therefore, I believe Brenda also lived and enjoyed her life to the absolute fullest with no regrets. Her legacy will always remain being the strongest person and a hero to all of those who knew and loved her so very much. Seek solace in the fact Brenda is no longer imprisoned and confined by her body and all it's limitations but rather is free from her suffering to begin a new life in eternal and everlasting peace.”

In addition to her parents, Brenda is predeceased by her brother Robert Bevilacqua and her sister, Roseanne Schulz.  Brenda is survived by her husband of thirty-four years, Benedicto A. Sorto; her son, Anthony A. Sorto; her daughter, Melissa M. Sorto; her brother, Joseph D. Bevilacqua; her sister, Vanessa Karabulut and Brenda’s neighbors, friends and especially her church family.

Brenda was a bright light in the world that has now been dimmed.  Join us in offering our love and support to all of Brenda’s family as they learn to go forward in their lives without her.  Never doubt that Brenda will be deeply missed, but she will never be forgotten.

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