In Loving Memory of Brandy

I was heartbroken to hear of Brandy’s passing. We were friends for nearly 20 years, ever since I joined the Pierce County GIS department in 2006. From the very beginning, her kindness, warmth, and generosity of spirit stood out. We quickly became close friends- not just coworkers, but people who genuinely cared for one another.

Brandy poured love into everyone around her. She gave me invaluable parenting advice, offered help whenever I needed it, and was always a steady presence of encouragement. One of my fondest memories is Thanksgiving in 2007, when my family and I were welcomed into her home to enjoy a delicious meal and wonderful company. Over the years, we spent many summer days at her house for gatherings and parties, surrounded by laughter and friendship. Brandy was an incredible gardener. She transformed her three-acre property in Graham into something like a park, beautiful, peaceful, and full of life, just like her.

When I decided to move to Toronto in 2013, Brandy offered me so much emotional and mental support during a very difficult goodbye to a team I loved. Her care and encouragement meant more to me than she likely knew.

During her visit to Toronto in 2016, she shared advice on how to care for the backyard of my new house. She told me how she would trim the smoke tree in my backyard. Now whenever I look at that smoke tree, I would think of her. We explored Toronto together, traveled to Kingston, and enjoyed a cruise through the Thousand Islands. We had such a wonderful time, and I will always treasure those memories. Talking with Brandy was always inspiring, she had a way of lifting others up simply by being herself.

She retired two years ago, and I was so happy for her to finally enjoy a well‑deserved retirement and a slower pace of life. She put so much care and effort into cleaning up her Graham property before handing it over to its new owner, and she truly loved her new home in Puyallup. When I saw the photos she sent of the place, it felt so Brandy—beautiful, warm, and full of character. She told me there would always be a spare room for me whenever I visited. We were also talking about inviting her to come to Toronto again in the near future. Knowing now that we will not have that chance is deeply painful.

It’s hard to believe that the birthday message I sent her last July would be my final birthday wish to her. We exchanged several emails around Christmas. I shared an old photo of Brian sitting on the hobby horse in her house, and she told me how it had found a second life as a giraffe and had been part of Isla’s life ever since. Dylan had transformed it using a stuffed giraffe. She even sent me a photo of Isla riding the same hobby horse. All those conversations feel as if they just happened yesterday.

In my heart, she remains one of the closest friends I have ever had—someone who showered me with love, kindness, and unwavering support. I deeply respected her, not only for her warmth and genuine care, but also for the way she devoted herself to her family, her passion for her work, and the courage and grace she showed while walking through some hardships in her life. Through the way she loved and lived, she made this world more beautiful and a truly better place.

Matt, Anita, Dylan, Mallori, Isla, and Madeline: you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort at this very difficult time!

So long, my dear friend Brandy! You will be deeply missed more than words can express, but I hold onto the hope that this goodbye is not forever. I am grateful for the love, kindness, and joy you shared so freely, and I cherish the memories we made together. Until the day we meet again, may you rest in peace, and may God hold you close. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven one day.