Brenda Crisco Gaster, age 78, of Sanford, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital after a life devoted to family, faith, and service to others.
Brenda was born in Ellerbe, North Carolina, to the late Edward and Eva Crisco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Johnny Crisco and Alvis Crisco.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Donald Martin Gaster; children Angela N. Smith (Kevin) of Fayetteville, AR and Ann Spain (Chris) of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren Amber Ciesla (Conner) of Bentonville, AR, Taylor Whitman (Wyatt) of Winston-Salem, NC, Jordan Ward (Kaleb) of Lillington, NC, and Aaron Spain of Lillington, NC; great-grandchildren Hadley Ciesla and William Whitman; brothers, Larry Crisco (Vonnie) of Olivia, NC; sisters, Phil Murchison (Ralph) of Sanford, NC, and Ann Asbill (Marion) of Asheboro, NC; sister-in-law Rita Crisco of Sanford, NC.
Brenda worked as a hairdresser for 40 years, forming lifelong friendships with her clients and colleagues. She was a faithful member of Shallow Well Church, where she loved singing in the choir. In her free time, she enjoyed working in her flowers and fishing at the beach—activities that brought her peace and joy.
Brenda will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her strong faith, and her kind, hardworking spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Shallow Well Cemetery with Dr. Eric Burmahl. The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
