Brenda Joe “BJ” Vogler passed away Sept. 1, 2023, in Olympia, Washington, after a courageous three-year battle with breast cancer. She was born Sept. 26, 1946, to Carval and Louise Spangler in Pearisburg, Virginia. BJ was a 33-year resident of Olympia, and also lived in Aberdeen, Washington for 20 years, and Washington, D.C.
BJ graduated from Narrows High School (Narrows, Virginia) in 1964 and the Business School of Roanoke (Virginia) in 1966. She was a medical office manager, Assistant Coach of Grays Harbor College women’s basketball and also volunteered for many community programs, including serving as, chairman of United Way of Grays Harbor, Chairman of Hands Across the Harbor, and Chairman of the Children’s Mural Project in Aberdeen.
She married William F. Vogler on October 21, 1967, in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
BJ was an incredibly thoughtful, kind, and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who always put others before herself. She never crossed paths with someone who didn’t immediately connect with her and felt like they had a new friend. She brought comfort and joy to all of those around her.
BJ was an artist who also loved interior design, gardening, traveling, and gourmet cooking. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially anywhere by the water, and in particular at Ruby Beach and Hawaii. Most of all though, she loved spending time with her family. It was those moments that brought her the most joy.
BJ is survived by her husband and best friend of nearly 56 years, William F. Vogler of Olympia; daughter, Christine Vogler, and her daughter, Brie, of Tumwater, Washington; daughter, Heather Vogler of Seattle, Washington; son, Eric Vogler, his wife, Megan, and their daughter, Brooklyn, all of Lake Stevens, Washington; sister, Patty (Paul) Blais, of Hoschton, Georgia; brother, Edward (Vickie) Spangler, of Roanoke, Virginia; five nephews and four nieces. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, David Spangler; and nephew, Brian Stadler.
A Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 14, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club, 5900 Troon Lane SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in BJ’s name at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (www.fredhutch.org) to continue the fight against breast cancer.
Please share memories at www.FuneralAlternatives.org
