Anella Leora Brandon

For Nell’s last night alive, a powerful eruption burst from the sun. This coronal mass ejection launched itself into space and devoured another in its path. Masses of plasma merged into one imposing force, rushing towards us. Astronomers call this a “cannibal storm”. It charged its way to Earth, wrapped itself around Earth’s magnetic poles, and collided with atoms in our upper atmosphere, exciting them. Upon returning to a grounded state, the atoms released photons of light. Fairy green and heliotrope purple shimmered in the sky above Nell’s head. How fitting this was for their passing the following morning, November 13th, 2025.

Anella “Nell” Leora Brandon (they/them) came into this world as a magnificent eruption of stellar energy. Their auroral beauty had friends and loved ones staring up at them in awe. Their spellbinding smile and mystical presence were illuminating — starlight that traveled great distances from a source so massive, it collapsed and formed a black hole in their absence. They were exceptionally intelligent — capable of recalling a myriad of fascinating facts on a whim — consistently poised with profound wit and poignant logic. Nell could throw you into deep thought one minute, and into belly laughter the next — their mind a catalyst of both joy and reflection.

Nell inspired those around them to see through the veil and recognize the shared humanity in every living being. They were an advocate and provider of harm reduction services for the Lansing community. They continue to save lives through organ donation. A seasoned activist, Nell fought for liberation, resisting oppression through daily action and outspoken wisdom. They influenced others to respond to calls for social justice and radical love. Nell was also the reason their family would regularly say “I love you”. Being a person so honest, genuine, and empathetic, they encouraged even the most shy hearts to embrace vulnerability. Their musical abilities stretched across countless minds. As an artist, they leave us with their righteous words, stirring melodies, and compelling creations. As a sound engineer, they were a medium of music and a connector of musicians.

Nell was buried in Williamston, MI, at Summit Cemetery on Sunday, November 16th — placed softly in a natural burial plot, wrapped in linen, covered by wildflowers, and surrounded by their immediate family. A celebration of life is being planned for May 2026 around Nell’s 40th birthday. They are survived by their family: parents John and Gwen Brandon, siblings Laura Bailey, Jenna, Elizabeth, and Jacob, partner Char Keyes and their kitties, Popy, Bear, and Matoomba, brothers-in-law Andy Meier and John Pasko, nephew Jack, and an abundance of extended family and friends.

The fierce love they gave this world will be buried like seeds in our hearts. The pain of their passing will be felt for lifetimes. Their spirit rose into the night sky this November — prismatic lights that dazzled onlookers across the globe. Next time the sun shoots a mighty burst of energy this way, we’ll look up and see Anella dancing.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Allen Neighborhood Center (1161 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI) as Nell felt much kinship with the Lansing Eastside community.