Brea M Kleine

MADISON - Brea Marin Kleine, age 48, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. She was born on May 31, 1977, in Madison, the daughter of Tom and Judy (Bright) Davis.

Brea was born and raised on the east side of Madison.

Family was everything to Brea. Her early years were spent filled with music, dance, and laughter. Brea was a natural at connecting with people and animals, and many pets and friends always surrounded her. She had a quirky sense of humor, something she shared in common with her dad, Tom, a man she loved and idolized. Her mom Judy brought her into the world of dancing, igniting her lifelong passion for it. Growing up, she looked up to her big sister, Torrey, and was always excited whenever she got to be around Torrey and her friends.

Brea became a young mother at 19 when Jordan was born, and from that moment on, Jordan was the focus of Brea’s life. She eventually became a loving mom to her nephew, Payton, as well. She handled the role of being a young, single mom with courage, perseverance, and grace.

Brea had an artistic soul, and the arts played a significant role in her life. She began dance lessons at the age of two at the Virginia Davis School of Dance, where she danced for decades alongside her mom, sister, and eventually, lifelong friends.  Even after she stopped dancing herself, she continued her involvement in the role of Stage Manager for the studio’s annual dance recitals up until the studio closed. Brea shared her dance and choreography talents as dance team captain of the La Follette High School Poms team and, in later years as dance team coach for both Monona Grove High School and La Follette High School. She loved to sing and did so beautifully. She was a devoted member of La Follette High School’s Choir and served as the Alumni Choir Coordinator for the La Follette High School 50th Anniversary Choir concert. Brea enjoyed performing on stage alongside family and friends in the Edgefest Follies for many years. At home, she created constantly, painting, drawing, writing poetry, and playing the piano.

While working together at SVA in 2006, Brea started dating Bryan Kleine, and from the start, they were inseparable. They married in 2013 in a beautiful ceremony at Monona Terrace. Although they shared a few hobbies in common, they clicked and complemented each other. They exposed each other to new aspects of life that they had not known existed, teaching each other while being open to learning.

In 2018, Brea started working at DAIS. Her combination of intellect, dedication, and work ethic led her to the integral role of Operations Manager. This role with DAIS was truly her calling in life, providing her with the opportunity to support others in need, as she has done for countless other people.

Brea’s daughter Jordan gave birth to Blaire in 2022, promoting Brea to Gigi. Of the many, varied roles Brea had in her life, this was the role that excited her the most. Gigi would watch Blaire overnight one day a week, showering Blaire with all the love Gigi had in her heart while spoiling her with whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it. She had just recently started taking Blaire to dance lessons at the same studio where Brea’s mother, Judy, had started dancing many years ago.

Brea's reach was far and wide. She had many friends in many places. Her love and devotion were quiet, steady, and deep. She cherished her people and had a way of making them feel seen and important. She was beloved. She was fierce. She was kind. She was the strongest person anyone will ever know. She loved deeply and gave deeply of herself to others. She was an advocate through and through. All of the words in the world cannot convey what the loss of Brea means. She was a unique light, and the world was better with her in it. Her absence will impact those who knew and loved her, as well as all those she hadn’t yet met.  

Brea is survived by her husband, Bryan; daughter, Jordan (TJ Wendt) Davis; son, Payton Davis; granddaughter, Blaire Wendt; mother, Judy; sister, Torrey (Jay) Wilkins; brothers-in-law, Chris (Karen) Kleine, Nick (Ashley) Kleine and Nathan (Stephanie) Kleine; five nieces, Claire Wilkins, Emma Kleine, Natalie Kleine, Adalind Kleine and Persephone Kleine; nephews, Ashton Wilkins and Alex Wilkins; parents-in-law, Gary and Susan Kleine; grandmother-in-law, Dorene Kleine; uncle Bill Bright; and beloved feline companions, Cali, Dany, Raeki and Amara. She was preceded in death by her father, Tom; maternal grandparents, Art and Georgia Bright; great-aunt, Mary Havlik; great-uncle, John Havlik; and eight cats, Kubbie, Duke, Jada, Moe, Prince Wrigley, Smudge, Chui and her soulmate Jorah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to DAIS (abuseintervention.org/donate-online).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420