Brande Hefner

Brande Lashawn Wade was born to the union of Norman (who preceded her in death) and Shelley Hefner on June 20, 1979 in Chicago, Illinois. As a baby she was christened Catholic and raised in the Catholic faith.

Brande completed her elementary education at Turner Drew Elementary School and graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School in 1993. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Allen Wade. They quickly established a young love and married on October 25, 2003. To this union their precious baby boy, Aiden was born; he was her pride and joy.

She was always fascinated with technology and wanted a career in some form of it. Her  motto was, "Be prepared if opportunity presents." She received her Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and Networking from DeVry University in 2004. Brande was the first female Field Technician for Cricket Wireless. While working for Cricket, she and her husband Allen, decided to become entrepreneurs. They opened their own business and named it Worldwind Wireless. This business endeavor was very successful and closed only due to their medical issues.

Brande was a fun loving person. She enjoyed music, dancing and good times with friends and family. Fashion and shopping were her passion. She always exhibited the latest styles with grace and class.

Brande was petite in size, yet strong-willed in mind. Recently in spite of her illness, she had the drive and determination to further her education by attending South Suburban College, majoring in Radiologic Technology, with the goal of making a better life for her and her family. Brande was so excited about receiving her medical uniform (scrubs). It meant so much to her. She anxiously awaited the day for her to wear them. Unfortunately, do to her being ill, she only had a chance to wear it once.

Brande was extremely close to her son, Aiden. She was not just his mother, they were best friends. They enjoyed hanging out together, watching movies, dining out and travelling. She went out of her way to give him a variety of memorable experiences. She tried to make him aware of how proud she was of him. She was able to see Aiden graduate from 8th grade and only a few days before her untimely transition, she gave him a skating party for his graduation. She was so proud of her young man.

Brande transcended this life on Wednesday, June 19th, 2019, the day before her 40th birthday. We know that she celebrated her birthday with her heavenly family: her father, Norman; grandmother, Mary (GaGa); grandfather, Arthur (PaPa) and grandmother, Charlotte.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving devoted husband, Allen; son, Aiden; mother, Shelley Hefner; half brother, Drew; mother-in-law, Evelyn Staine; sister-in-law, Toni Elizabeth Wilkerson (Justin); brother-in-law, Clifton Wade Jr. (Lisa); step mother, Katherine Hefner; step-brother, Nathan; step sister, Sara; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,friends and her very special friends, Sidney, Christina, Isis and Tania

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