Briana Daudert

Briana Daudert was born on January 24, 1939, to John and Caroline (Canning) Malbone in South Haven, Michigan. She passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2025.

With unending devotion to the ones she loved, Briana Daudert touched the lives of so many in a special way. She was a shining example of unwavering strength and selflessness. She handled every challenge that came her way with determination and grace. Nothing meant more to her than her family and friends, she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Her vivacious personality brought a spark of life to every room she walked into. Dearly loved, Briana leaves behind a priceless collection of memories for her loved ones to hold close.

Of all the things Briana loved in life, nothing brought her greater joy than her family. She married her High School sweetheart, Jim on July 3, 1959, and had 5 children Lisa, Jim, Chris, Jonna and Jeff. Briana thrived in her role as a mother, her kids were her greatest source of pride. She instilled in them the importance of compassion and strong moral values. She loved preparing a variety of amazing homemade meals, including her famous lasagna, beef stroganoff and enchilada bake.

Later in life, Briana was thrilled to become a grandmother and gma. She adored her grandchildren, each one of them had a special place in her heart. She was able to help raise her first granddaughter Katie, which she considered to be a great honor. She was also blessed to have her first grandson Jimmy born on her birthday.

Briana was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for herself and those who depended on her. She started her career at Cohen’s Bakery in South Haven at age 12, then her favorite job at the Post Office and eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a medical assistant. She truly loved her work and found great fulfillment in her career. Even when she could no longer drive, she would have her daughter Lisa take her to work so she wouldn’t miss it. Upon retirement, she and Jim became snowbirds and enjoyed winters in Florida.

Briana fell in love with the woods and settled down on 10 acres in a house built by Jim, surrounded by deer, birds and wildlife. She often enjoyed walking the property looking for Morel mushrooms surrounded by the beauty of nature which she adored. Briana planted one of her favorite flowers, daffodils, along the driveway in memory of each loved one who passed away.

Briana was one to keep busy, she loved basketball and NPR (National Public Radio). She also enjoyed traveling with her family and lifelong friends. She possessed a sharp sense of humor that could make anyone laugh.

Briana was preceded in death by her parents. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on through her husband: Jim; Brother: John (Mary Jo); children: Lisa Caroline, Jim (Kaci), Chris (Shannon), Jonna (Glen), Jeff (Melissa); grandchildren: Katie (Donny) Piper, Jimmy (Leila), Alex (Michael) Gonzalez, Caroline (Lucas) Estanislau, Nicole, Scott Brigham, Billy, Johnny, Emma, Ava, Aaron, Alex, Alden and Andrew; great-grandkids: Akayla, Alexis, Kaylin, Saniyah, Ariana and Crista; and many nieces and nephews.

Briana will be forever missed, always in our hearts and memories.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, March 29 at 11:00am at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375.2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drink and stories can be shared. Celebrate Briana’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.