Brandy Renee Abmont

BIOGRAPHY Brandy Beaudry Abmont died unexpectedly late Wednesday night, January 4, 2012 at her home in Overgaard, Navajo County, Arizona. She was only 42 years old. Brandy was born on September 24, 1969 to Richard Beaudry and her mother, Kathy McNeil Beaudry. In 1977, her mother married John "Jack" Locarni and Brandy truly loved being their daughter, as she was so lovingly raised by them. She affectionately referred to Jack as her "Dad." Following graduation from Cactus High School, Brandy went to college and became a Certified Nurse's Aide. Naturally, she was a very giving soul and lived to serve others. She worked several years at various nursing homes in The Valley and truly considered the elderly people that she so tenderly cared for, her friends. She loved them. Brandy also developed a special love for little children and became a pre-school teacher and taught for several years at many pre-schools in the Phoenix area. A true nature lover at heart, Brandy loved being outdoors; not just for the beauty she found there, but also because of the animals she found there. She loved all types of animals and critters; a love nurtured by her father, Rich Beaudry. She appreciated life in all its forms, and had a dream to, one day, work full-time with animals. Outside of the warm embrace of her own family, Brandy's next greatest loves were her dogs, Ranger and Diamond, and her cat, Tika. Brandy was proud of the fact that she was a 4th generation Arizona native! She never hesitated to let others know that her roots began in 1880 with her pioneer ancestors Homer H. and Carolyn Morris Mcneil, and William R. & Elizabeth Larrabee Morris. The McNeil family, along with Spanish-American War hero "Buckey O'Neil, started the Phoenix Gazette newspaper. Her Morris ancestors helped establish Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, in Phoenix, and her great-uncle, the Reverend Fred McNeil, was the first ordained minister in Arizona who was also born in Arizona. Though she was born in the Arizona desert, Brandy did not enjoy the heat of its summers. When she had the opportunity to move to the Mogollon Rim, she jumped at the chance. She has lived the past several years in Overgaard and has enjoyed life there with her husband of 7 years. She loved the beauty she found in the surrounding Ponderosa Pine forests and lakes. She loved spotting elk and deer and even a skunk or two. She considered the outdoors her cathedral and felt a special closeness to her Maker. While living in Overgaard, Brandy also affiliated herself with the local Lions Club. Though she did not officially join the club, she did participate with several of their activities and fund raisers over the years. She was a friendly and familiar face in her small community and many will miss her sweet and gentle smile. Brandy is survived by her: husband, Michael Abmont of Overgaard, Arizona; Mom and Dad: Kathy McNeil Beaudry and Kathy's husband, Jack Locarni of Surprise, Arizona, during the winter months and, Overgaard during the summer months; 4 siblings: Sherry Locarni Thomas of Phoenix, Arizona, Rick Locarni of Omaha, Nebraska, Tracy Locarni of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Jeremy Locarni of Phoenix, Arizona; 7 nieces and nephews; her father, Richard Beaudry and his wife Joyce of Colorado; 2 uncles: Peter Beaudry of Washington, Mark McNeil of Nevada; 2 aunts: Michele Beaudry of Chandler, Arizona, Martha Helms of Arizona; and her 92 year old grandmother, Beth Beaudry Jessen, of Arizona. She also has over 25 1st, 2nd & 3rd cousins in Arizona, and over 50 living out of Arizona.
A special memorial service for Brandy will be held Saturday, January 14, 2012 in at the First Baptist Church in Heber, Arizona at 11:00 A.M. Following the service there will be a potluck luncheon at the Overgaard Springs Country Club. Just as soon as the service location and time is confirmed it will be added to this website. Brandy's family is thankful to all who have extended their sympathies to them through both thought and deed during this difficult season and, are very grateful for all the prayers offered up on their behalf.