Lani Braithwaite

Our loving wife, mother, sister and friend, Lani Michele Bernards Braithwaite, 71, of Brigham City, Utah, passed away on Monday, December 4th, 2023, after a long and courageous fight with breast cancer. Lani was born February 12, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the third child of LeGrand and Myrtle Bernards. As a young girl, her family moved to Southern California. Lani loved running around in her bare feet (she hated shoes, even as an adult) and exploring the tide pools at her mom’s favorite lagoon every summer. She remained in California until her senior year of high school when her family returned to Utah and she graduated from Orem High. After graduation Lani attended Ricks college for a year before transferring to BYU, where she first met her future husband Dave. She began working as a regional manager for Craig Taco Industries, hiring and training employees at various franchises across the western US. Dave finally caught up with her in Missoula Montana, and she said “yes”. They were married shortly thereafter on September 14, 1974 in the Provo, Utah Temple. Lani was an inspiring mother to her nine children (including two sets of twins!) all born within a span of ten years. Her constant example of generosity, patience and love taught her children how to treat each other. Her faith in them taught them confidence. After her youngest child (Lizzie) started school, Lani began working as a special education assistant for Majestic Elementary in West Jordan, Utah. She worked a number of elementary school jobs before finally settling into her dream position as librarian at Willard Elementary. She remained there until her retirement in 2014. She always found the best books to share with her grandchildren. Lani worked for over a decade as a part-time reporter for the Box Elder News Journal, contributing weekly articles that covered Perry City Council and Commission meetings. She loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints and served in many callings throughout her life. Her example of service was humble and steady, and her faith unwavering, even as she faced the difficult challenges of her final years. She loved her family more than anything and was so proud of them all. She never missed a birthday. She was a talented crocheter and was rarely seen during retirement without a needle in one hand, and a ball of yarn in the other. She made adorable gifts for her grandkids and friends, and her Christmas nativity sets were always in high demand. She loved music and shared that love with all of her children. She loved to travel and spent her retirement with husband, visiting her grand children at locations around the world. Lani is survived by her husband, David Don Braithwaite; children: Emily Hardman (Jared), Kirstin Wilkerson (Lehi), William David Braithwaite (Ann), Brian L. Braithwaite (Brooklyn), Rebecca Braithwaite Kanigan (Dan), Daniel Eugene Braithwaite (Chrys), Nathan Edward Braithwaite (Charlotte), Joseph Eric Braithwaite (Liz) and Elizabeth B. Geiger (Dave); brother, Dennis Bernards (Patience); sisters: Margaret Thomson and Katherine Bernards-Goodman (Karl); David’s siblings: JoAnn Kunzler (Sam), Norval Braithwaite, Barry Braithwaite (Karen); 39 grandchildren, and many friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 9th, at 11:30 a.m. at 105 Fishburn Drive, Brigham City, Utah 84302. Friends may visit with the family at a viewing from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment in the Willard cemetery. Services entrusted to Gillies Funeral Chapel. Please send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com