Brandi Oaks

Brandi LeeAnn Oaks

March 8, 1994 ~ January 26, 2021

Our Dear Brandi, where shall I begin?

From day one, 8 March 1994, I will never forget how your Dad and I had an appointment for a non-stress test at the Misawa Hospital at Misawa Air Base, Japan. A simple test to see how well you would do with contractions. We did not know your gender at the time, kind of old fashioned if you say, but when those contractions were induced, you took things into your own hands, you know, the Brandi way, and grabbed a hold of your umbilical cord, then squeezed and made your heart rate drop. The doctors were like, well, looks like you are having a baby today. At 3:33 p.m. in a far away land on 8 March 1994, you were born. Brandi LeeAnn Oaks, named after her grandmother’s, and so rightfully named indeed. So beautiful, so happy and we just could not get enough of you. We traveled back to the states so you could meet your grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousins from Ohio and West Virginia. A perfect time for sure, but then there was one little catch this time, when we came back to Japan, we had an extra special package to share with our family the following year. On 14 June 1995, you became a big sister to Joshua. My two Japan babies!!

As you grew older, your love for the military would always show, especially during retreat at the end of the day. You would so proudly stand with your hand over your heart, the biggest smile from ear to ear and listen as the National Anthem played. You and Josh grew such a bond between siblings that not many would understand. You were his big sister and would never let anyone give him any flack, loving him to the moon and back.

Then, in 1997, we got new orders to Turkey. We spent a few years there and were lucky enough to travel to Germany and Italy for some sightseeing. A well-travelled little girl, for sure. From enjoying the castle by the Sea, to roaming through some ruins in the area, to beautiful days at Aqualand in Adana. You always had a smile and laughter, and even a knack for drawing on walls way back then.

Our journey then took us to Utah in 2001. New schools, new friends, new everything. As you grew into a beautiful young lady, the teenage years were with many ups and downs. Changing hair colors were your biggest love. Hanging out with friends at the dining room table on skip school days and just being you.

You also gained your loving siblings – Trevor, Kelsey, Michelle, Amy, Canieshia, Champaign, and Makayla. A larger family with big hearts, too.

Your infectious smile always made anyone who saw you, smile right back. Your big, beautiful heart was always on your sleeve, the bigger the better for the whole world to see. Your laughter and the twinkle in your eyes when you were excited and happy made everyone around you feel your love. Although there were ups and downs, trial, and tribulations, you seemed to overcome them in some way.

You loved to travel, from summer stays in Ohio and West Virginia with your grandparents to South Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. You can now spread your wings and go anywhere you want to be.

From Cosmetology, to welding, to painting aircraft, to call centers, to being a key holder at Pickles, to working in a mall, and being a manager at Maverick, your work ethics remained the same. You loved learning new things, researching, and sharing that newly learned information with your loved ones. We all were so excited for you, every single day. You were an all-around, let me try this, type of person and so well loved.

Along the way, you’ve collected your beautiful skin art: from your fist koi fish (Pisces) tattoo on your thigh from your Uncle Steven, to the beautiful artwork on your chest as a graduation present from Grandma Judy and I, to the loss of Lucky dog on the back of her neck, to the dragon tattoo on her tummy, her raven tattoo on her arm; with the oak leaves and sunset, and her newly bat tattoo.

In between some of that artwork, your beautiful daughter, yes with four legs, came into your life. Taija has been a Godsend and will miss her momma terribly. A quote from Brandi sums up the love for her beautiful girl.

“She only cuddles me this hard when my mind is in a dark place.. and I couldn’t ask for a better baby girl. She is my world, my reason for living. She has taught me patience, love, forgiveness, respect, and loyalty. She has driven back and forth across country with me, endured most my ups and downs with me. Always cleans my tears off my face and gives me extra love when I’m sad.. cuddles extra hard when I’m upset and knows exactly when to give me my space when I want to be alone.. this furry little shit is my life.. I couldn’t ask for a better angel   .”

Her love for her family, and of Nature, to her love for cooking; especially spaghetti, to tapestries, to tarot cards and crystals, to books and her drawings and paintings; her love of cars, to someday owning a Nissan Fair Lady Z,  Brandi is a lot of things to each and every one of us. She will be our strengths to our weaknesses as we walk the path with her beside us every step of the way.

Although shy at times, you knew how to fit in even when you felt a bit out of place. Watching you take that step and pushing yourself to do what was right and ensure anyone who needed guidance, or a shoulder to lean on, you were right there to listen and give a helping hand if you could.

You are and always will be my baby girl. Your hard headedness and independence were sometimes tough to deal with, but you had the tenacity of a thousand horses. Strong, but weak at times, loving and caring, a beautiful you, with and without makeup. I know I have told you these things many times, and I always received the same reaction. “You are my momma, you are obligated to say those things”. I hope you will always know that my love for you will always be with you to the moon, to the stars and now through eternity.

In Loving Memory from now until the end of time, we will always love you, miss you and hold you in our hearts and memories – Always and Forever!

Love you to the moon and back,

Parents: Mom (Donna Dunn), Dad (Gary Oaks), Mark Dunn (Step Dad), Tonya Oaks (Step Mom)

Siblings: Joshua, Trevor, Canieshia, Champaign, Makayla, Michelle, Amy, and Kelsey.

Grandparents: Judy and Steve Stefanik, Jack and Carolyn Oaks, James Kemp, and Sally Huckabee

Uncles and Aunts: Sam (Beth), Gary (Lora), and Steven Stefanik, Great Aunt Arlene (Sue) Evans, Craig (Brenda) and Paul (Karen) Oaks – there are a few more as well, just know she loved you all.

Cousins: Zachary, Christopher, Eric, Kelsey, Brady, Henry, and Cheyenne – there are so many more and even though you are not mentioned here, you are not forgotten.

To all of Brandi’s closest friends (you know who you are), cherished friends and coworkers, and to anyone who knew Brandi. Please always remember her in her best times, and let the worst times fly away in the breeze. I know, as much as I do not want to believe, that she is at peace and constantly watching over each and every one of us.

May you Rest in Peace Sweetheart – 8 March 1994 - 26 January 2021

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Utah Humane Society.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist's Roy Mortuary.

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