Cloud Wells Brady succumbed to her battle with Parkinson’s disease the morning of March 4, 2022, one brief month following her 79th birthday.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, Cloud always was a free spirit. She struck out on her own right after high school, and began her adult career as an entrepreneur, opening a gift shop to supplement her income as a hair dresser.

Always in search of a place to call home, she moved to Olympia, Washington in 1985. There, she lived on a small farm with her two rescue dogs, Spike and Billy, and helped raise sheep and goats. She produced and hosted a regular talk show on Olympia’s community TV, showcasing local businesses, their owners, characters and personalities.

Cloud was a regular musician performer at Barb’s Soul Food Kitchen until she met the love of her life, Dennis Brady, a railroad engineer for the Union Pacific. Dennis likened Cloud’s spirit to Stands-With-A-Fist, the character from Dances with Wolves.

Cloud embodied that same strength and stamina through all life’s trials. In 2004, Dennis helped Cloud escape the city, where Cloud had never felt at peace. They moved to White Bird, Idaho, and Cloud became a contributing community member, conducting the annual Poker Run fundraiser and other local activities.

However, even 40 acres in that community became too densely populated for Cloud, so she and Dennis found their true home outside of Elma, Washington, where she enjoyed the last years of her life.

Cloud never lost her compassion for animals in need, and stray dogs knew they had a safe forever haven with Cloud. She was an avid student and a humble teacher of both Yoga and Tai Chi.

Cloud is survived by her soulmate, Dennis Brady; her brother, Jim Stacey, of Petaluma, California; and her rescue dog, Cricket. She is loved, and will be missed, by her many friends.

In lieu of flowers, Dennis requests friends make a donation to their favorite animal welfare or land conservation organization.