Brenda Marcus Bulatao

BRENDA BULATAO

Brenda Marcus Bulatao passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026.

Born on Aug. 14, 1940, in Harrisburg, Pa., Brenda spent her formative years in Allentown and remained deeply devoted to her hometown throughout her life. She cherished the Allentown Farmers Market, Trexler Park and the Rose Gardens, the annual Allentown Fair, and her memories of growing up as the proud daughter of Greek immigrants. She often spoke with affection and pride about her heritage and her early days working in her Pappou’s diner, where she first learned the values of hard work, warmth and hospitality that would define her life.

Brenda also lived a life rooted in deep faith. Her spiritual life and her relationship with God were central to who she was, guiding her with resilience, compassion and gratitude. Her faith sustained her through life’s challenges and shaped the quiet strength and kindness that so many experienced in her presence.

She is survived by her three children, Inez, Peter and Brian; her five grandchildren, Ian Concevitch, Hannah (Justin) Dalton, Jared Bulatao, Tristan Bulatao and Connor Bulatao; her two great-grandchildren, Liam and Mila Dalton; and her extended family with Emy and Danny Magat.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Agapito Bulatao; her mother, Mary Sampson; her father, James Marcus; and her sisters, Shirley and Desnee.

After meeting the love of her life, Agapito (Dr. Pete to his friends), while he was completing his surgical residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, Brenda began a new chapter. The young couple moved to Welch, W.Va., before eventually settling in Jersey Shore, Pa. There, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family.

In Jersey Shore, Brenda became a proud and tireless supporter of her children’s activities — cheerleading events, music performances, sporting competitions — rarely missing a moment. She had a gift for making every child feel welcomed and valued, and many of her children’s friends considered her a second Mom. Though serene and kind by nature, her “mama bear” instinct surfaced quickly if she sensed anyone treating her children unfairly.

Brenda also had a lifelong love of ice cream, a simple pleasure that never failed to bring a smile to her face.

Her home on Mt. Pleasant Avenue was a place of laughter, hospitality and celebration. Brenda loved to entertain, bringing a circle of dear friends together around her table with generosity and joy. She instilled in her children the principles of resilience, discipline and excellence. One of her favorite sayings, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” was more than advice; it was how she lived.

Later in life, after returning to Allentown, Brenda worked as a hospice caregiver, offering comfort, compassion and dignity to patients and families during life’s most vulnerable moments. Her warmth and steady presence brought peace to many in the greater Allentown community.

Above all, she adored her grandchildren. She never hesitated to get down on the floor to play, read stories or indulge them with the kind of love only a grandmother can give. They were among her greatest joys.

Brenda’s love endures– in the strength of her children, in the laughter of her grandchildren and in the countless lives she touched with her strength and grace.