MCFARLAND - Braeyla Marie Valenza, age 8, of McFarland, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following an accident. She was born on August 22, 2017, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Chad and McKenzie (Brice) Valenza.

Braeyla entered the world weighing just five pounds and was lovingly nicknamed "Peanut." As she grew older, family and friends affectionately called her "Queen Bee." She shared a special bond with her mom from the very beginning.

She recently completed third grade and was looking forward to starting fourth grade. While school wasn't her favorite place, she loved spending time with her friends. Her kindness toward others was evident in everything she did, and she was honored with the Kindness Award twice.

Braeyla enjoyed swimming, fishing, figure skating, gymnastics, and riding her bike with Wyatt, especially when it meant a trip to Culver's. She loved spending time at the family lake house on Castle Rock Lake. At home, she enjoyed baking and she enjoyed sleepovers with her friends, who meant so much to her. Purple was her favorite color. Braeyla had a special love for dogs. Known by her family as the "dog whisperer," she adored her dogs, Lulu and Buddy. She dreamed of one day becoming either a veterinarian or an influencer.

Braeyla was known for her kind heart and inclusive nature. She cared deeply for her family and friends and never hesitated to tell them how much she loved them. She will be remembered for her kindness, her joyful spirit, and the many happy memories she created with those who knew and loved her.

Braeyla is survived by her parents, Chad and McKenzie Valenza; brothers, Wyatt and Casen Valenza; grandparents, John and Judy Valenza, Pat Brice and Donna Zimmerman; great-grandmother, Janet Fuchs; aunts, Chelsea (Briyanna) Gburzynski and Kristin Valenza; cousins, Maleah Henning, and Preston, Alexander and Rianna Rios; great-aunt, Chloe Fuchs; and great-uncles, Clayton Fuchs and John Elsing. She was preceded in death by her aunt, Brittanie Marie Brice; and great-aunt, Diane Elsing.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Braeyla’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on “Watch Now” in the Webcast section. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chad or McKenzie Valenza for a donation to a charity that will be chosen at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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

Braeyla Valenza

August 22, 2017 - July 08, 2026

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