BreAnna Marie Spaeth

BreAnna Marie Spaeth, 35, of Evanston, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her most-both family and her cherished furry companions-after a courageous lifelong journey with the rare genetic condition Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 11 (HSP11).

BreAnna was born on May 21, 1991, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. At just six months old, she moved with her family to Evanston, Wyoming, the community she would always consider home. Although life took her to many different places over the years, her heart remained firmly rooted in Evanston and the people she loved there.

As her illness gradually limited her physical abilities, it never diminished the brilliance of her spirit. BreAnna's life was not defined by traditional measures of achievement, but by the extraordinary kindness, resilience, and love she shared so freely with others. She walked a path uniquely her own, leaving an unmistakable imprint on every life she touched. Her infectious laughter, vibrant personality, and genuine warmth made those around her feel instantly at ease. Once BreAnna welcomed someone into her heart, that bond endured for a lifetime.

Creativity was one of BreAnna's greatest joys. While she still had the use of her hands, she spent countless hours drawing and creating videos. She especially loved building families in The Sims, taking particular delight in carefully choosing names for each of her virtual children. In her later years, she found comfort in the worlds of Harry Potter, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and episodes of The Steve Wilkos Show. She also had a lifelong admiration for wolves, whose strength, loyalty, and spirit reflected her own deep connection with animals.

Affectionately known as the "Dog Whisperer," BreAnna possessed an extraordinary gift for understanding animals. She played an instrumental role in helping her family operate a no-kill animal rescue in Evanston, where she helped save the lives of countless dogs and cats. Even the most fearful and neglected animals seemed to recognize the gentleness within her. Through patience, compassion, and quiet understanding, she earned their trust and gave them the love they so desperately needed.

BreAnna was preceded in death by her beloved "Daddy," Jason Hoffman; her grandfather, John "Doug" Hoffman; her grandparents, Norman McElroy, Norbert Spaeth, Janice McElroy, and Anne Spaeth; as well as many other treasured family members who welcomed her home.

She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Bernadette (Sam); her siblings, Timothy, Dustin, and Heather (Gage); her adored niece, Christine; her beloved cat, Kiki; her grandparents, Grandma Darlene and Grandpa Carol; her aunt Carey and uncle Marc; her uncles, Patrick and Matt; her aunt, Lynn; cousins Derek (Jessica) Andrew (Lexi); her chosen aunts, Misty and Samatha; her best friends, Riley and Alyssa; her cousins by heart, Kayla and Matt, Alex and Lyndsee, Lexi and Jesse, and Katelynn; along with many extended family members and treasured friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

The family also wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many compassionate caregivers and friends who walked beside BreAnna throughout her journey. With heartfelt appreciation, they thank Kenna, Megan, Jake, Mary, Nellie, Nancy, Arsenio, Amory, Mailen, and Chantelle for the exceptional care, kindness, and unwavering dedication they so generously gave.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. located at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Evanston.

A luncheon will follow the service from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the VFW.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation to support research into Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, to Paws and Claws Animal Adoption and Care Center in Diamondville, Wyoming, or, in BreAnna's memory, consider opening your heart and home by adopting an animal from your local shelter.

Though her earthly journey was marked by immense challenges, BreAnna's life stands as a testament to quiet courage, unwavering compassion, and unconditional love. Her laughter will echo in the memories of those who knew her, her kindness will live on in every life she touched, and her legacy will endure in the countless hearts-both human and animal-that were forever changed by her gentle spirit.