Elizabeth Bate Brady

Elizabeth (“Libbie”) Bate Brady, of Hidden Hills, California, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 83. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Libbie lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Libbie was born on March 19, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Ethel Baxter Bate, a librarian, and Thomas Henry Bate, a physician. She grew up in Phoenix alongside her older sister, Debbie, and always held a special affection for her hometown. In fact, she remained close to several of her childhood friends throughout her life, and especially to Jane Williams, a testament to the lasting relationships she treasured.

Libbie attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 1964. It was there that she met Michael Brady, whom she married on July 10, 1965, in Phoenix. Their life together took them on quite a journey. They first moved to Toronto, Canada, for Michael’s career, where they welcomed their three children, Daniel, Patrick, and Erin. From Toronto, the family moved to Rockford, Illinois, and eventually to Southern California, settling in Woodland Hills around 1974. It was there that Libbie and Michael raised their family and built a life surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Throughout her life, Libbie was deeply committed to giving back to her community. She devoted countless hours to charitable organizations and causes close to her heart. Among her many contributions, she served as head of volunteers for the American Red Cross in Los Angeles, became a Dame of the Order of Malta, was actively involved with the Sisters of Social Service Auxiliary, and served for many years on the Board of Governors for the Providence Tarzana Foundation. These were just a few of the many ways Libbie generously gave her time and energy to helping others.

After her children graduated from high school, Libbie began an unexpected and exciting new chapter when she was offered the opportunity to serve as personal assistant to former First Lady Nancy Reagan. It was a role she thoroughly enjoyed and one that brought her great satisfaction for several years.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Libbie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She carried herself with grace and poise, was never one to shy away from a challenge, and approached life with a wonderful combination of warmth, honesty, and straightforwardness. She was someone who gave generously of herself, whether to her family, her friends, or the many causes she supported.

Above all else, Libbie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She gave her heart and soul to her three children and four grandchildren, whose happiness and well-being were always her priority. She loved a good book and enjoyed traveling and exploring new places with Michael. But as much as she loved their adventures together, there was nowhere she would rather be than at home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Libbie leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories and a legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Libbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael, who passed away in 2019; her sister, Debbie; and her parents, Ethel and Thomas Bate.

She is survived by her three children, Daniel, Patrick and Erin, her daughters-in-law Kim and Lin, and her four beloved grandchildren, Nate, Cade, Bridget, and Keira, who brought so much joy to her life.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Libbie’s devoted caregivers, Madonna, Cherry, Gina, and Terry. Their kindness, compassion, and unwavering care over the past several years, particularly during her final days, brought tremendous comfort to both Libbie and her family. They will always be remembered with deep love and appreciation.

Libbie will be dearly missed by her family, her many friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Libbie’s life at a Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life on October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mel’s Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Libbie’s memory to the Sisters of Social Service, the American Red Cross, or a charity of your choice.