Brianne Fuzesy

Cancer has taken so many lives in the worst ways.  In our case, we curse the horror that is pancreatic cancer, for taking our sweet, precious girl in the prime of her life. These words will reflect on a person of infinite beauty inside and out, and help us mourn the loss of a vibrant star who made sure to improve the world in some way, every day.  

Brianne Fuzesy was a Whitefish, Montana native spending most of her childhood on the crystal waters of Whitefish Lake. If you knew Brianne, I don’t have to tell you - everything she touched turned to gold. There was nothing this woman couldn’t do.  And if you asked, she’d also teach you.  

If you’re reading this in Bismarck, ND, you maybe knew Brianne as a student at UMary in the early 2000’s, a substitute music teacher across Bismarck and Mandan, as the traveling sales rep for Eckroth Music, or at her dream job - teaching brass and Audio Technology at BSC.  Brianne was a brilliant musician, playing the trumpet, voice, steel pan, bassoon, bass guitar, trombone, French horn, recorder - the list goes on. She had a chair in Big Al’s Big Band, Bis-Man Wind Ensemble, the BMSO, Missouri River Community Band, West River Winds, and Missouri River Chamber Orchestra, just to name a few. She took so much pride in her craft.  

Those of you in the Flathead Valley of Montana watched her find new radiance in so many ways. She relished the challenge of theatre pit orchestra music, playing in numerous shows both in Bismarck and Kalispell. She loved her time in the Flathead Valley Community Band as both a band member and part of the board of directors, in addition to serving as their technology and audio coordinator. She also shared her talents with the Bavarian Echoes, CFalls Choir, and the DLO Big Band.  Her crowning achievement was her time as Herald the Hark for the Whitefish Winter Carnival.  Just the thought of an event made her beam with joy.  She loved being part of the Royal Court so much. 

Brianne was a skilled craftswoman.  From garden beds and furniture to endless useful odds and ends for family, friends, and the school, she could always see a better way, and had the vision and capability to make it happen.  

She was a natural tech wizard. Audio engineering, 3D printing, graphics, robotics, coding, programming.  She loved it all and was constantly learning and researching the latest and greatest to share with students of all ages. Her work as a technology specialist for Whitefish School District was a dream come true.  She said getting the job was like winning the lottery.  She was the proudest Bulldog, so excited to come back and be part of the school system she enjoyed so much in her youth.  She spoke regularly with gratitude of her music teachers - Mrs. Hashley, Mr. Klassen, and Mr. Clawson.  She always gave them much credit for the incredible musician and educator she became.   Brianne loved her job, and adored her coworkers both in the technology department, and the teachers she interacted with daily as well.  She always talked about how wonderful her working relationships were.  Thank you all for the beautiful place you have created.  

The emptiness in our lives and hearts created by her passing can never be filled.  But we owe it to her and ourselves to try.  She was the hardest worker, and met every responsibility with an unmatched level of commitment.  The best way we can keep Brianne’s magic alive is to embrace her passion for learning, teaching, and the Arts.  Go to all the concerts you can. Support all the local music ensembles you can find.  Make it a point to go to the school events and support music at its beginning.  Fill your souls with the joy of helping and teaching others. Go and learn that new thing you have been meaning to try - there is no time like the present.  Remember her sense of humor and tell stories about her often. Make your corner of the world better by sharing knowledge openly to improve the lives of everyone around you. 

Our family offers sincere gratitude to all of the medical staff at Logan Health who worked passionately to offer every intervention imaginable to improve Brianne’s life and intervene on her behalf.  Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Jose Ness, Palliative care, Hospice, the Infusion Staff, all of the incredible nurses and support staff throughout the hospital - and we sure met a lot of you - ER, 2nd floor, 3rd floor, Radiology, Cardiology - everyone.  You all continuously renewed our faith in humanity on the worst days of our lives. 

Brianne is survived by family and friends across the country committed to remembering her passion:  her wife, mother, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and nephews; the music communities in both Bismarck, ND and the Flathead Valley, the staff and students of Swan River School - past and present, the staff and students of the Whitefish School District, and so many others.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 220 Westland Drive, Kalispell Montana 59901. 

The family is being cared for by Darlington Cremation and Burial Services.

Plans for a celebration of life are forthcoming.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brianne Fuzesy, please visit our floral store.