Brooke Samantha Ballard Wineland

Brooke's passing has undoubtedly left a profound impact on all who knew and loved her. Whenever Brooke entered a room, there was an instant feeling of warmth, light, and love that put others at ease and made them feel seen and heard. She was full of compassion towards people and animals. She was beautifully gifted at making other people feel better choosing to give others her light even at times when she may have needed the same. In her own words, “ It’s a gift. A full life you get to live so, yes, choose life, but also remember what the Word says don’t forget to give. We only keep what we have by giving it away.” Her kindness and generosity knew no boundaries. She was able to make everyone laugh. When she laughed with you, you could hear an infectious belly laugh that was genuine and happy. Her smile was contagious and created magic even in the most ordinary moments. By all accounts, Brooke was a vibrant, caring individual who radiated warmth and positivity, inspiring those around her with her infectious smile and unwavering determination to make a difference. She was creative, and she enjoyed painting, making jewelry, and learning about making glass. She was interested in reiki, and holistic medicine, and she hoped to have her own business in the future. Most importantly, she loved ferociously. She loved her children, the fathers of her children, her brother, her mother, her family and friends who were always on her mind and heart. Her untimely death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her during her brief but impactful time upon this earth.

Brooke was adventurous, always marching to the beat of her own drum. From a young age, she possessed a curiosity and thirst for discovery, constantly pushing the boundaries and standing up for those around her. Brooke embraced each new experience with a sense of wonder and fearlessness. It was this very quality that made Brooke such a magnetic and inspiring presence. Brooke remained a force of nature, her eyes still alight with the promise of adventure and her heart still yearning to see all that the world had to offer. In the memories of her loved ones, she will forever be remembered as a true spirit - a beautiful young lady who was fulfilling her dreams and had never allowed fear or convention to hold her back from pursuing her passions.

Brooke leaves behind her three beautiful children: Bradley Cade Burleigh, Ezrah Arthur Wineland, and Serrahphyne Briar Wineland. Her memory will be cherished by her Mother, Bonnie Barcellona, Father, Bill Ballard, and Brother James Cameron; Grandparents Sam and Joyce Barcellona; Grandmother Jan Walker, Her Uncles: Bruce (Maureen) Barcellona, Guy Walker, and Paul Ballard; Aunt Becki (Ronald) Connally, Aunt Charlotte Barcellona, and Cousins, Brett, Christopher, Austin, Victoria, Brendon, Reese, Olivia, and Cecelia.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gregory Wineland and Allen Burleigh who left a sad void within her heart and the hearts of their children. She was also preceded in death by her Uncles, Brian Barcellona and Cameron Walker.

While the grief and sorrow of her loss will undoubtedly linger, Brooke's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the lasting memories of her joyful spirit and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She will also be remembered for her brilliance, artistic prowess, unyielding devotion to her brother, grandparent, aunts, uncles and cousins, genuine compassion, incessant demand to be right and her absolute love for her mother and children, and her boundless heart that are forever within the memories of all those who love and miss her. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, Brooke's enduring impact and the light she brought to the lives of others will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know her.

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass,

of glory in the flower,

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind