A founding member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Julee Brady passed away from Stage IV carcinosarcoma, a rare form of uterine cancer with which she was diagnosed in March. She’s survived by her husband, Pat, and children Shanda, Marjon, Kelsee, Kellan and Taryn.
Julee’s daughter Taryn Brady Hale shared the news of her passing yesterday in a Facebook post, which reads:
It is with heavy hearts, yet firm testimonies that we announce the passing of our angel mother,
Julee Brady. She peacefully passed Saturday night surrounded by her five children and her husband of 43 years after a valiant fight against Stage IV carcinosarcoma. We feel such peace at this time flowing from our knowledge of Heavenly Father’s divine Plan of Salvation. We also feel humbled and supported by the outpouring of prayers and love we have received.
Her funeral details will be forthcoming; included in the information will be a streaming link to the services for all who would like to view. In the meantime, we continue to encourage all who loved her to do a kind deed for someone else in her honor.
Raising her family in Arizona, the Sunshine State, Julee referred to herself as the “domestic engineer” of the “Brady Bunch” — which includes her husband and five kids, as well as a handful of dogs and horses. She also enjoyed being active in her community, giving many hours of her time to local organizations and schools through the Cowgirls Historical Society and her church and while serving as Mrs. Arizona 1994–1995. For many years, Julee also worked with Signature Modeling Agency as a modeling coach and acting talent. Co-founding of the Cowgirls Historical Society combining her passion for service work with her love of Western culture — was one of her proudest accomplishments.
Exemplifying the cowgirl spirit, the CHF assists charities and organizations with fashion shows, hostessing, auctions, skits, education programs as a way of giving back to their communities. As their website states, “It is well known that people who serve others, end up serving themselves with a more content and happier heart.” The Cowgirls have been pleased to volunteer with the Phoenix Fire Department, Florence Crittendon, Catwalk for Charity, Kicking Up Kindness Buckaroo Ball, National Day of the Cowboy, Literacy & Educational programs, Special Olympics, Phoenix Suns Charities and other wonderful organizations.
The Cowgirls Historical has also worked closely with RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. Believing that the networks and CHF share a common purpose — to preserve, celebrate and educate others on agriculture and cowboy (and cowgirl) culture — Julee became a close friend of Rural Media Group and was always first to volunteer her time to be a part of RFD-TV/TCC events. She and the CHF have joined the RMG team for the National Finals Rodeo, RFD-TV’s The American, and the Rose Parade — with Julee leading the way, always with a warm smile, positive attitude, and willingness to roll up her rhinestone embroidered sleeves when needed. Everyone at RMG who worked with Julee loved her, getting to experience firsthand her kindness, generosity, and beauty both inside and out.
Numerous friends and admirers took to social media yesterday to share their stories, memories, and condolences. Here’s just a small sampling of the moving tributes written to Julee Brady.
The purest and most incredible inspiration of a woman has gone to be with the Lord. I love you so much Miss Julee. You have forever changed my life. Thank you for always loving me when I felt the world was crumbling. Thank you for teaching me all of the essentials of how to be a poised and respectable rodeo queen, young woman, and sister in Christ. Thank you for giving me a good laugh to “look forward to a new ‘puppy’” when I was heartbroken. Thank you for always reminding me of the truth and light of our good good God. To the Brady family: Thank you for always sharing your incredible mom with me at CHF events and through our talks. I will keep you all in my prayers. — Nicole Speeding
The definition of a class act! Julee Brady, such a strong, positive and KIND woman. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting her you will never forget her. There is a big hole in our rodeo hearts and a big one in my family as she showered so much grace onto us! Love you so much sweet angel Julee! — Paige Nelson
I have never met someone who radiates so much joy with a simple smile, but Julee did. I will always remember that about you, Julee! — Kason Hattie Wolfe
Julee Brady was a beautiful wonderful person who had a light that shined so bright! She was and always will be a inspiration to not only me but many others! I am grateful to have gotten to know her and her family over the years! She will be missed! I. Cannot imagine not seeing her smiling face at so many rodeos (payson being the first that comes to mind)! My thoughts and and prayers are with you and your family at this time!!! Julee- thank you for being such a kind uplifting inspiration I do not have rodeo queen memory that does not have you in it! I remember my very first title I had just won I was at the Navajo county fair and rodeo and met you and Taryn Brady Hale (Taryn you where miss rodeo Arizona at the time) I had no idea what I had gotten myself into in the rodeo queen world and the two of you told me so much and opened the door and set the seed for me to go on and compete for miss rodeo Arizona which changed my life! I thank you for that! Again you will be missed! Sending so much love and prayers of comfort at this time! She truly left behind a wonderful legacy! — Jayme Fish
Heaven has gained a beautiful, kind, and generous soul. Our lives have been touched and blessed by Julee Brady. She will be greatly missed. Her family is in our hearts and prayers. — Joan Musgraves
In 9th grade I was blessed to meet the sweetest girl who loved so many of the same things I did. Marjon and I became fast friends and stayed close through many years of ups and downs in life. At one point in my life I became a single mom with not a lot to look forward to. In walked an angel, the mother of my dear friend from High School. She invited me to join a group she started called the Cowgirls Historical Foundation and my life changed overnight. All of the sudden I had fun events to go to and was surrounded by the kindest girls who love and support each other. I got to ride to many events with Julee where she shared many inspired words of wisdom that helped me make good choices. @jpbradee was more than a friend, she was an earthly angel whose cowgirl hat she wore as her halo. She led a life full of kindness and optimism. I can only hope that one day I will be able to bless half as many lives as she did. Love you and will miss you dearly beautiful cowgirl angel! Until we meet again. Prayers for the Brady family whom I dearly love! — Mandee Woods Hodges
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