St. Louis Park, MN - It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Brandi Hanson-Briggs on June 6, 2026 in Minneapolis MN.

Brandi was born in Cedar Rapids Iowa on December 4, 1945 to loving parents Russell and Mary Bowlus. A naturally curious child, Brandi (or Marasue as she was called then) grew to have many interests including music, art, animals, gardening, photography (especially of flowers) traveling, anything to do with the ocean, warm weather and mostly...people. Brandi's whole life was based on an inner drive to form and nurture relationships with people.

Brandi loved to help others feel beautiful inside and out. At the age of 18 she began a lifelong career as a hair stylist, designer/educator for Lamar company and beauty consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Brandi began her career in Ames Iowa, later moving to Minneapolis with her young family where she worked in several salons including Donaldsons Hair Salon, Pendergast on France Ave, Hair Performers (owner), Classic Hair in Edina, and "ending" her career in 2023 at Total Image of Edina. Brandi loved "playing hair" and continued to cut hair for her close friends and family, up until the last month of her life.

Brandi was so much more than a hair stylist but uplifted the whole person. Not only did Brandi make others feel and look beautiful on the outside but she had a unique gift to make each person in her life feel cherished, pampered and loved. When you were with Brandi, you felt like the most important person in her life.

One word is not enough to describe the amazing human that was our Brandi. The people closest to Brandi describe her as... authentic, special, elegant, grounded, genuine, thoughtful, vivacious, fabulous, wonderful, kind, effervescent, amazing, sophisticated, inspiring, unique, faithful, councilor, teacher, mentor, forgiving and loving. She was the best hugger, a skilled listener, and was the first person to cheer you on! She has left a hole in our hearts and she will be so very missed.

Brandi is survived by her beloved son Mark (Ginna), stepdaughter Dara (Carey), grandchildren Bryce, Robyn (Dellanta), Daniel and two great grandchildren Lakaii and Kamiya. Plus several "bonus" children and a large circle of cherished friends. Brandi is preceded in death by her parents Russell and Mary Bowlus, partner Al Olesky, stepdaughter Kim Olesky, sister/friend Sally Warren, and several friends. In her memory we ask that Memorials be made to The University of Minnesota Anatomy Department.

Celebration of Life to be held at Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave. Edina, MN 55424, on 08-02-2026. Time to be determined.