Brenda Lee Marquez McCool died while protecting her son.
The 49-year-old, mother of 11 children, was dancing with her son in Orlando nightclub Pulse on Saturday night, when a gunman opened fire.
Brenda’s sister in law Ada Pressly spoke to The New York Daily News and explained how Brenda gave her life for Isaiah.
“Brenda saw him point the gun. She said, ‘Get down,’ to Isaiah and she got in front of him”.
“She was shot dead. That’s how much she loved her kids. If it weren’t for her, he’d have been shot”.
Brenda, who survived two separate bouts of cancer, had recently moved to Orlando to be near her youngest children and often went out with Isaiah (21).
Farrell Marshall, Brenda’s fifth-eldest son, set up a Go Fund Me page to help with the funeral costs, writing:
“One decision changed the lives of many. All I ask is for prayers and whatever you can to help me and brothers sisters to be able to pick up the pieces where she left off.
“You will forever be in our hearts. Always. I truly love you so much MOM!”
My So Called Life actor Wilson Cruz is a relative of Brenda’s and he posted a heartfelt Facebook tribute to her:
49 people lost their lives in the early hours of Sunday morning when Omar Mateen burst into gay nightclub Pulse and began shooting.
53 more people were injured and Mateen died during a shoot-out with police.
His wife Noor Zahi Salman is currently being questioned as the investigation continues.
