Carlena A. Grabher

She spent her early years in Hemingford, Nebraska, before moving with her family to Hot Springs, South Dakota in 1998, where she graduated from Hot Springs High School in 2002; she went on to study Psychology at the University of Nebraska in Kearney before transferring to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, earning her degree in 2006 and beginning her life’s journey in Phoenix, Arizona—the Valley of the Sun she would come to call home. Carly built a career marked not only by success but by deep connection, finding passion and camaraderie at CBRE, where she was loved and cherished for over a decade and apart of an esteemed group of Real Estate Professionals.

An avid explorer of the world, Carly lived with a heart wide open—finding joy in travel, in the simple and profound love she gave to animals, and in the shared comfort of good food and even better company. She was a devoted daughter, sister, coworker, and friend, and perhaps most especially, a proud and loving dog mom—someone whose care for others ran deep, steady, and unconditional. Even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, Carly showed a strength that was both fierce and graceful, fighting with everything she had until the very end, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and love that will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her loving parents, Stacy (Mother) and Bill Bergmeier, and Mike Grabher (Father); her siblings, Sydney (Sister) and Jamie Thomas, Chris (Brother) and Kim Grabher, and Nicole (Sister) and Cameron McLain; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Brielle, Brantley, Bennett, Nora, Oliver and Oscar each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by more friends and cherished animals than can be counted—each one touched by her kindness, laughter, loyalty, directness, and the light she carried so effortlessly.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable ache, Carly’s life remains a testament to loving and living life fully, to strength in the face of hardship, and to the enduring beauty of a soul who made the world brighter simply by being in it.

A celebration of life will be held for friends and family in Phoenix AZ on April 25th. Wherever you are in the world, join us for a toast at sunset on April 25th to celebrate the life of Carlena Grabher. Another celebration will be held in the Midwest at a later date and time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Carly’s honor to her beloved animal rescue, AZK9 Rescue. Contributions can be made online at www.azk9.org/donate, or via Zelle (480-280-7139), Venmo (@azk9rescue), or PayPal ([email protected]), continuing Carly’s deep love and compassion for animals.