Sharon "Brandy/Shari" Adkison

Sharon Brandenburg Adkison, lovingly known as Brandy/Shari, passed away at the age of 80 in Fort Collins, Colorado, on September 20, 2025.

Brandy was born in Taos, New Mexico, to Howard and Helen Emily Brandenburg. She grew up in Taos and received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish at the University of New Mexico before going on to teach in Albuquerque. Over the years, she made her home in Albuquerque, Seattle (during Bill's residency), Santa Fe, Taos, and eventually Fort Collins.

Early in life, Brandy worked as a teacher, where her warmth, creativity, and patience shone through. She later devoted herself fully to raising her children and supporting Bill as he pursued a career in cardiology. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she poured her heart into creating a home filled with love, laughter, and care.

Brandy had a wonderful sense of humor and was always tickled by jokes and gentle ribbing. She loved to be in nature, camping and taking trips in the RV every summer. She would always bring hummingbird feeders along to see her favorite birds. She loved to travel, and was delighted to visit New Zealand, Mexico and Costa Rica. She found joy in spending time with her grandchildren, reading, playing games, crafting, and cooking, and was happiest when surrounded by family — or when eating dessert.

Those who knew Brandy will remember her as kind, caring, and endlessly devoted to her loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, and love that will be carried forward by her family and friends.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Bill Adkison; her three children, Beth and her husband Chris, Brittany and her husband Tim, and Brian and his wife Jaime; her beloved grandchildren, Abby, Frank, Caroline and Will; her brother, Jim Brandenburg and his wife Claire; and her sister, Libby Johnson and her husband Cliff; and her cherished nieces and nephews.

As per Brandy's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DreamTree Project in Taos, NM ( https://www.dreamtreeproject.org/donate ) and Habitat for Humanity in Fort Collins, CO ( https://fortcollinshabitat.org/donate/ ) .