Carrie Ann Brady

Carrie Ann Brady, 52, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022, following complications from surgery.  She was born on June 4, 1970, to Annabelle M (Seger) and Arthur T. Brady Jr. in Lansing Michigan.

She was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School (class of 1988), Western Michigan University (BA in Education, class of 1995) and Marygrove University (MA in Education, class of 2009).  In April, 1995, she began teaching at her beloved alma mater, Lansing Eastern.  During her 18-year tenure as an English, Drama and Composition teacher, “Ms. Brady” also served as theatrical director, football eligibility coach, Bible club advisor, and as an avid fan of all things Quaker.  She could always be found at athletic events, band and choral concerts, chaperoning dances and other school activities cheering on “her kids”.  Throughout her time as both a student and educator at Eastern, Carrie participated in more than 60 musical and theatrical events in her beloved Jon Young Auditorium – as backstage help, clean-up crew, choreographer, performer and director for Quaker Productions and Fun Machine.

Carrie was deeply passionate about 4 things:  music, theatre, teaching and her faith.  She sang with the choirs and worship teams of several local churches, as well as performing special music for many events.  Her love for God provided her drive to help others, care for her nephews and nieces, serve her Quaker family, and spoil her precious, furry companions.  She “adopted” many students as her own, and supported their endeavors beyond Eastern.  In particular, “daughters” Rachel DeVeau and Patty Parish and “sons” Charles Fulcher, Herb Alford Jr., Anthony Knox, and Quincy Briggs.  These miraculous “kidz” treated her like family, often including her in holiday events and celebrations, providing assistance following her disability, and even a few called her “Momma Brady”.  Although she could not have children of her own, these wonderful people helped Carrie fill that void with their love, time and care.  Numerous other students were a huge blessing to her in many ways, and she was so grateful for every single one.

Carrie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur Sr. and Rhea Brady; Albert Sr. and Evelyn Seger; her father, Arthur Brady Jr.; sister, Karen Lou Brady; and beloved furry companion Maya Jean Brady.  She is survived by her mother Annabelle (Michael) Clarey; siblings Barbara (Mark) Wicks, Michael (Vicki Dellot) Brady and Linda (Tom) Beachnau; niece Maddie (Tony) Curley; nephews Jamison (Sheryl) Wicks, Jacob Brady, Andrew Wicks, Ryan Beachnau and Blake Beachnau; great-nephews Elliott and Harrison Wicks; Teddy and Sam Curley; and many, many “kidz” and “grandkidz” from her time as a teacher at Lansing Eastern High School.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial service.  Those who wish, may make a contribution to Eastern High School’s drama or music programs, or the Capital Area Human Society in memory of Carrie (or Maya).

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23 Messages to “Carrie Ann Brady

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Andy Casler
September 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

Ms Brady was an awesome teacher and friend. Didn’t really get to know her til after graduation. She always had a smile even though you knew she was in pain or distress. RIP Ms Brady! We’ll see you soon!

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Beckie (Bush) Grunewald
September 12, 2022 at 4:13 pm

My heartfelt sympathies go to the Brady family. Carrie was a good friend to both me and my brother Steve Bush when we were growing up. I’d like to think she’s up in heaven chatting it up with her dad, and my brother who we lost earlier this year. May God grant you comfort and hope of that sweet reunion in heaven.

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Robin Haggard
September 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm

I worked with Carrie on several Quaker productions on sets and props. We had a lot of fun I know she will be greatly missed by so many for her drive and spirit and support of all things Eastern. Rest In peace “Brady”. You’re gone too soon.

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Rachael (Seger) Field
September 12, 2022 at 5:00 pm

Carrie had a heart like no other. I will forever be grateful for the time we reconnected as cousins and she will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss our long talks about life and it had to give us. When my dad passed away Carrie was one of the first people I called because it was her love and kind spirit that made it easy to lean on. I know we don’t talk much but I love you all and I am here if any of you ever need me. I love you Carrie!!!

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John Couthen
September 12, 2022 at 5:44 pm

I really enjoyed Carrie’s class, she always made drama more fun then I thought it could be and was able to get me to participate in 3 school plays. She was a great teacher and she will be missed by me and many others. Condolences to her family.

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Becket Jones
September 12, 2022 at 7:27 pm

Found a lot of my personal and by extension professional confidence through Ms. Brady and Theatre at Eastern. Forever grateful for the extra time she spent pushing me to be better in the little ways.

Was always happy when she reached out to chat in the years after graduation (2000). Will miss those always positive discussions, especially since she somehow timed those calls and texts to when they were needed most.

Rest In Peace Ms. Brady. Hope you realized how impactful your life was on so many of us.

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Victoria Churchill
September 12, 2022 at 8:18 pm

The years following graduation in 2011 we spent a lot of time together. Our friendship bloomed towards the end of senior year, when she took on helping proof read the book I had been writing at the time. I would help her with Maya (her dog) and we would do lunch together.
I even went to church with her several times, which wasn’t something I’d normally do, but I enjoyed spending time with her.

She always brought me comfort and gave me the warmest hugs. She always wanted well for me and was always there to listen. She was a good person with a gentle soul, always willing to lend a listening ear and guidance. She had a beautiful voice and was a great singer. She loved lilacs and lighthouses. She had strong faith and wanted well for everyone.
Sunsets and lighthouses will forever remind me of her. I even made her a birthday cake one year inspired by sunsets and her vibrant soul.

Rest In Peace, Carrie. I’ll miss you and so will many others. I’ll forever wish we could have spent another day together.

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Kim Andurs
September 12, 2022 at 10:25 pm

Carrie, how I will miss our daily texts. We meet at otto and went to graduate together. You are forever in my heart.

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Hannah Bergman
September 12, 2022 at 10:37 pm

I cried all afternoon when I heard of Ms. Brady’s passing and I know I wasn’t alone. She was the best of them. She valued all art, music, animals, loyalty, discipline, culture, tradition, history, hard work, individuals, families, and celebrations. She did God’s will by bringing literacy to Lansing’s children. She did God’s will by bringing “Mockingbird” to Jon Young auditorium and casting Ted Kindig as Atticus Finch.

Ms. Brady taught me the word “sundry,” the phrase “hoist by his own petard,” and how to watch movies with symbolism. I’m confident she destroyed movie watching for generations of children because of her deep knowledge she shared about reading between the lines.

Sure, she ruffled some feathers at times. That’s what genuine people do. That’s what Jesus did. Any time she put on a show at Jon Young she brought whole worlds to life. She built entire families. She did it all from scratch. I don’t know how she did it. When I started teaching English she often harassed me about starting a drama club or putting on a show, but I never got brave enough. I’m sorry, Brady.

I’ll never forget her cackle that could ring through that old auditorium. I’ll never forget her warmth, her sparkling eyes, her hugs, her grand spirit, her sass, or her timeless Quaker pride. I am so thankful to have known her and learned from her.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . the light of all mankind.”

With gratitude, Hannah (Cook), Eastern ’09. Michigan ’13. English Teacher ’13-’17.

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Joann Webb
September 13, 2022 at 4:01 am

My 2nd cousin 1 x removed, RIP Carrie

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Camilla
September 13, 2022 at 9:35 am

I jad the pleasure of going to high school with Carrie and having her be my son’s theater and choir teacher.
Just an all around awesome person. As my son would say, Miss. Brady is the best teacher ever!!
God has received a beautiful Angel.

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Kathleen Leitz
September 13, 2022 at 12:50 pm

Tom and I are so sorry to hear about your Sister passing. So happy she had such a strong faith. She’s already celebrating with our Lord in heaven. Tom and I will keep all your family in our hearts and prayers. Love you all so much. Kathy & Tom Leitz

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Tisha Haynes-Ranjel
September 13, 2022 at 6:01 pm

RIP Carrie! I will always remember you singing the Safety Dance by Men Without Hats in 7th grade science class.
It was also a pleasure to help you with cleaning your classroom and catching up.
You will be missed!

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Linda Bush
September 13, 2022 at 8:05 pm

Bob and I were so shocked to know Carrie has gone to be with her Lord. At a young age like our son Steven. We have so many wonderful memories of her and her family over the years. Lots of stories to tell. We love you all. May God bless you and keep you in his care.

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Haley
September 14, 2022 at 12:03 am

I never followed up with you after high school, but you were an amazing person and always gave me a safe place to talk.
You will be missed

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Pamela Gage Ferguson
September 14, 2022 at 12:11 am

We shared a special bond and birthday. We would always say “happy birthday twin”. I can say that the world was a better place with her in it. She was a special soul that touched everyone she came in contact with. She will be missed.

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Kari Haines (Surbrook)
September 14, 2022 at 12:28 pm

I met Carrie while we performed in a musical together. She became one of my best friends during our time together teaching at Eastern High School. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have had the teaching experiences I’ve had. It’s because of her I came to teach in Lansing and had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful staff, students and families. She came and supported every one of my LEHS choir concerts. She and I sang duets for our kids. I’m a better person because of her.

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Roosevelt Outlaw
September 14, 2022 at 7:35 pm

Carrie was so passionate about everything and everyone. She wore the Quaker badge with honor and a strong sensibility to help other’s grow. My sister, my friend, my Quaker family, I’m so honored to have you in my life..

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Linda Kay Schaible
September 16, 2022 at 3:24 am

My thoughts and prayers are with the Brady family especially Carrie’s mother, Ann Clarey. Carrie
was a VIP at Eastern High School which made me proud of her. I was also happy to see she kept in the faith. I was her Sunday School teacher when she was in second grade.

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Sonya Kazmirzack Haughton
September 18, 2022 at 1:59 am

Carrie, the world is less with you in it & I miss you. My heart hurts. You know, I can’t really remember when we first became friends, but I’m so glad we did. There’s not too many people that are willing to put up with me & thankfully you were one of them. My phone is strangely silent. It’s probably a good thing that Maya didn’t have to learn to be without you. It’s bad enough the rest of us will. You have a beautiful soul (along with your voice, as well as your heart) & I was blessed to call you friend. I will think of you every time I hear “The Rose”. Until we meet again.

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Deb Caton (Colovos)
September 18, 2022 at 4:18 pm

To the Brady family I want to send hugs and prayers. You were like my other family for many years. Carrie was one of my first friends when we moved to the neighborhood in 1978. She was one of my best friends for so many years! She talked me into trying out for the pom-pom team, which I was a member of throughout high school. She talked me into joining plays and musicals for which I had absolutely zero talent, but I got to share them with her. I wasn’t allowed to watch MTV at my house so I got introduced to it at hers. So many nights hanging out with her beloved dog Phred at our feet. We ice skated in her backyard and watched Raiders of the Lost Ark and sang the Safety Dance until we ran out of breath. Even after our school years we got to spend time together a bit in college and talked and visited over the many decades after high school. She also helped me adjust in my first year of teaching when I got a temporary position at Eastern. Carrie always reached out to me just to see how I was doing, and I know she cared deeply for her friends, her family, and her “adopted” kids. Carrie’s passing is still surreal to me. I know she will be missed by many.

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Rose "Rosie" Villegas
September 19, 2022 at 10:08 am

To the entire Brady family, my sincerest condolences on Carrie’s passing. I have a lot of good memories of Carrie and our friendship over the years. She encouraged me to work with her at our first jobs at Burger King in Frandor and we laughed a lot over a few private jokes we had. I can still hear her say “Mountain Dew” another funny inside joke that I’m laughing about as I’m writing this. She always welcomed me when I came to her home in Grosbeck and made sure she made cookies.. another great memory of her.. walking into her home and smelling freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and I would “cookies?” and she said “double batch!” The 80’s and our time together in High School will always be one of many fond memories of her. She was always so smart and was always teaching me new things, up until she passed. She was always willing to help or extend a hand if I needed one. To Carrie, I love you and I hope you know that I will NEVER forget you. You made an impact on me and my life and I never got a chance to say Thank You. From my heart to yours, I know you still feel me.. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you forever and you will be missed sorely.

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Wendy Ginther Pennell aka Wendilynn
September 20, 2022 at 12:21 pm

Ann, Barb, Mike, Linda and all the Brady family – My deepest condolences on Carrie’s passing. It has been a shock for me to learn of her loss. A floodgate of beautiful, fun and some of my best middle school & high school & college experiences were shared with Carrie. She was a friend one was fortunate to have and loyal beyond measure. One of our trips together was to Charlevoix and her grandparents home – visiting “squeaky beach”, Catamaran fun with Mike & his buddy and walking thru the National Forest beauty. Up North was her happy place and restful – peaceful – comfort place. From silly middle school fun to Spag’s class to cruising to parties in her brown beauty car, Carrie was a true friend to me & so many others. She had a depth and maturity – maybe even an old soul even in high school with her talent, knowledge and appreciation for the Arts, Theatre, Music and Poetry. Carrie made a positive impact on so many people throughout her life. Miss you my dear friend – never will I forget you and your beautiful soul. Prayers of comfort & peace to us all as we learn to live without you here on Earth.

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