Samuel Leland Brady

Samuel Leland Brady passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 5, 2025 after a short, brave battle with cancer. Samuel was a vibrant, kind, and gentle child who brought light into the life of everyone he met. He loved everyone and was loved by everyone in return. He was a kidney transplant recipient and overcame many medical obstacles in his life. He did not let the challenges he endured diminish his spirit, and he was able to travel, join activities, play sports, and make lasting memories. Samuel was born on August 18, 2014 in Albuquerque to Jeffrey and Michelle Brady. He developed a fascination early in life for soft textures and things which blow in the wind; he carried these whimsies with him and his pure joy for them was infectious. He was a very active child, spending his boundless energy dancing and jumping around the house. Samuel collected stuffed animals and snow globes. He loved light and decorated his room with lights of many colors; his favorite projector shone the swirling northern lights on his ceiling. His best friend was his sister Olivia - they were inseparable. He would tell her stories drawn from his bountiful imagination and ask her endless questions. They were creative together: drawing, painting, writing, and crafting. Our house is full of their amazing creations. They would watch movies and play games together. He loved Disney characters of all kinds; he knew every song and loved to sing them with his sister. He loved to laugh with her and they would tell each other jokes and be silly together. She was by his side through every difficult procedure, helping him heal and lifting his spirits in the most somber situations. He revered his departed great-grandmother - his Nani - and often danced to Spanish music in remembrance of her. Baking biscochitos with his Nana Eleanor was one of his favorite Christmastime traditions - one of the things that made it his favorite holiday. Samuel excelled at cooking tortillas with his great-aunt Vi and dreamed of being a chef when he was older. He spent many Saturday mornings helping to prepare his favorite family breakfast. He loved his dogs Max and Milo; he loved all animals and particularly loved creatures that live in the sea. He was fearless, and he took every new opportunity and relished every new experience. He cherished the charitable trips he was given and wanted to give back, volunteering at charity events and bringing his family and others along with him. He set a tradition of charitable work for his family to follow in his absence.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Lucy, his cousin Monica, and his grandfather Oliver.

Samuel is survived by his parents Jeffrey and Michelle; his sister Olivia; his grandmothers Eleanor and Janelle; his great-grandmother Gloria; his cousin LeaAnn and her wife Amber; his aunt Camille and uncle Ethan; many other cousins and extended family members; his teammates and friends; and his dogs. 

A celebration of Samuel's inspirational life is planned for Saturday, September 20th at 10:30 a.m. at the Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd SE, with a burial service to follow immediately afterwards. The celebration is open to all who knew or knew of him. Pallbearers will be Izaiah Aragon, Eugene Aragon, Vincent Martinez, Fred Bazan, John Humphrey, and Ethan Brady.