Billee J. Brabender
LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Billee J. Brabender, 22, of Lakewood died of complications due to schizencephaly Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005, at Madigan Army Hospital in Ft. Lewis, Wash.
She was born in Madigan Hospital on June 15, 1983, to Dixie (Trahan) Brabender and Bill Brabender.
BJ will be remembered most by all who knew her for her big beautiful smile and delightful laughter. She loved to listen to music and her nature sounds. BJ's sister, Jacquie, was always there to make her laugh at any moment, everyday.
She loved the rain and the warmth of the sun on her precious angel face. She lovingly touched and held on to those who met and knew her. Her strength, her fighting spirit, which kept her going each day, and the beauty that came straight from her loving heart were the best and most precious parts of who she was.
She is survived by her parents; two sisters, Jacquie Brabender who resides with her parents, and Marilee Trahan of Thane, Wyo; biological brothers, Joseph E. Olson of Wisconsin; maternal grandmother, Mary Trahan of Tacoma; paternal grandfather, Jack Brabender of Kalispell; uncles and aunts, Ron and Violet Trahan of St. Ignatius, Art and Gloria Trahan of Elmo, Mike and Caro Trahan of Ronan, Barb and Bob Hunt of Kalispell, and Willis Brabender of Anchorage, Alaska; a niece, Lacey Mackie; three nephews, Damian J-Luke Mackie, Nico Lyman and Dony Peterson; and her future brother-in-law, Grant Peterson, all of Thane; numerous cousins and relatives throughout Montana and special mention of her respite provider, Kathy Dawson and her daughter Linda, who spent many hours entertaining BJ when she was at their home.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Lyman Luke Trahan; maternal great-grandparents, Philomene (Chic) Ducharme Trahan, Agnes Standing Bear Pichette and James Pichette; paternal great-grandparents, Marlin and Alice Reum and Earl and Pearl Brabender; uncles Dale and Kim Brabender and numerous other relatives.
The family thanks the doctors and nursing staff of 4North pediatric wing, Madigan Army Hospital, for their special TLC, support and care shown to them during this difficult time
Mass was celebrated Dec. 12 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius assisted the family with arrangements.